The Sound of Music

JULY 20 – JULY 30, 2023

Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “The Sound of Music” returns to the Mac-Haydn Stage for the first time in over a decade next week, running July 20 – 30.

The legendary story is a timeless tribute to the transformative power of love and music. After proving too high-spirited for her life as a postulant, Maria, an exuberant young governess brings music, laughter and joy back to a broken family—capturing the hearts of seven rambunctious children and lightening the demeanor of their militaristic father. Set in 1938 Austria before World War II, The Von Trapps face insurmountable odds as their beloved homeland confronts the impending arrival of the dangerous Nazi regime.

Producing Artistic Director John Saunders directs for the second time this season, following his fan-favorite “42nd Street” earlier this summer. Choreographer Elizabeth McGuire returns to the Mac-Haydn following her work on “Urinetown” and “The Full Monty” in 2022. They are joined by Music Director Eric Shorey and Assistant Music Director Alessandra Alcala. 

The production will feature scenic design by Alivia Cross, making her Mac-Haydn design debut, along with lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, costume design by Angela Carstensen, sound design by Sean McGinley, hair and makeup design by Emily Allen, and props design by Adriana Ayala.

Leading the production as the spirited and musical Maria is Sarah Naughton, making her Mac-Haydn debut. Naughton has previously worked with companies including Second Stage, Lincoln Center, and A.R.T., in addition to her solo comedy and cabaret acts she has brought to venues including 54 Below. After his critically-acclaimed performance as Dan in last season’s “Next to Normal,” Eric Van Tielen joins the cast as Captain Georg von Trapp.

Ten local child actors join the company as the von Trapp children, split up into two alternating casts which the children have named themselves. In the “Maria’s Mischievous Misfits” cast are Molly Engelhardt (Louisa), Jack Holick (Kurt), Remy Orth (Brigitta), Adelaide Black (Marta), and Tegan Waters (Gretl). In the “G.O.A.T.s (Greatest of All Time)” cast are Riley O’Kane (Louisa), Emmett Mazurowski (Kurt), Quinn McCarthy (Brigitta), Makayla Shores (Marta), and Charlotte Miller (Gretl). Aidan Brennan and 2023 Company Member Rachel Revellese will perform with both casts as Friedrich and Liesl, respectively. A schedule of performances for both casts is available at www.machaydntheatre.org.

Rounding out the cast are Liz Gurland (Cabaret, Pippin, Urinetown) as Elsa, Arthur Beutel (42nd Street, Footloose) as Max, and Alex Haines (Mac-Haydn Debut) as Mother Abbess.

Based on a true story, this epic classic is both thrilling and inspirational to audiences throughout the world. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the legendary title tune, The Sound of Music promises to bring classic charm and provide a delightful musical experience for the entire family.

“The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The story is suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp