“The Sound of Music” Brings Charming Cast and Souring Vocals to San Jose

By Teresa Mills-Faraudo

With soaring vocals and a delightful cast, the North American tour of “The Sound of Music” paid homage to the 1965 Oscar-winning film on the July 21 opening night in San Jose.

The limited engagement at San Jose’s Center for Performing Arts was performed to a packed theater where some audience members donned Tyrolean-style hats and Maria-like dresses.

This Rodgers & Hammerstein classic tells the story of Maria, a novice nun in 1938 Austria, who is sent to be a governess for the children of retired, widowed naval captain Georg von Trapp. Through music, Maria brings joy to the home and wins the hearts of the children and eventually Georg von Trapp, whom she marries.  But the family’s happiness is quickly cut short when the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany forces them to flee over the Alps to Switzerland.

Directed by Jack O’Brien, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award, this production features solid acting, amazing vocals and a charming cast of children.

Cayleigh Capaldi gave a fresh spin to the role of Maria, adding some comedy and light-heartedness to this often very serious character. Capaldi, who is making her Broadway National Tour debut, did not disappoint on vocals, belting out songs like “The Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things” superbly.

 While it’s a supporting role, one of my favorites in this production is Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess. When she sang “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” with her operatic vocals, I saw tears in the audience. This Broadway pro and Tony nominee has performed in big productions like “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Ragtime” and was in the 2013 TV special “The Sound of Music Live!”

Kevin Earley portrayed Georg von Trapp splendidly and shined when he solemnly sang “Edelweiss.” During this number, Earley, who has been in Broadway’s “Les Misérables,” gave an excellent portrayal of von Trapp as a man who knew he was about to flee the country with his family.

The set design by Douglas W. Schmidt should not go unnoticed. The set for scenes in the von Trapp home’s main room had a beautiful chandelier, a grand staircase and through the windows were snowcapped mountains.

Performances include a family night on July 22 with preshow activities starting at 6 pm before the 7:30pm show. Other performances include July 23 at 7:30pm, July 24 at 7:30pm, July 25 at 2pm and 7:30pm and July 26 at 1pm and 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at broadwaysanjose.com, by calling 408-792-4111 and in person at the San Jose Civic Box Office, 150 W. San Carlos St.

Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel