“The Sound of Music”
Shubert Theatre
March 26, 2026
College Street is more often than not alive with the sound of music, but last night some of that music was from the legendary show that gave us that classic line from that classic song. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” made its way back to the Shubert Theatre, where it famously made its world premiere way back in 1959. Resplendent with classic characters and singalong-ready songs, this most recent revival of the show, directed by three-time Tony winner Jack O’Brien, is also making its 2026 North American tour debut on the Shubert stage.
The musical was the basis for the classic 1965 film of the same name starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The story itself is based on the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp (played by Andrews in the film and originally played by Mary Martin in the original stage show). The musical, set in 1938, centers around the Trapp family’s hiring of Maria as their governess for seven children while she contemplates whether or not she will proceed with becoming a nun. All of this happens during Anschluss as Austria is becoming a part of Nazi Germany and the widowed patriarch of the family, Captain von Trapp, is being ordered to join the German Navy even though he is not in support of the regime. In the meantime, not only have the children and Maria formed a bond, but she and the Captain are falling in love. The story proceeds with the music becoming an expression of the love and camaraderie that grow and persevere within the family in the face of such dire circumstances.
And what music it is. Recently I took part in a discussion about how a musical truly makes its mark if the songs are ones that stay with you, stick in your head, and make you sing along. “The Sound of Music” may be one of the greatest of such musicals. There is nary a song you cannot (or don’t want to) sing a long with. In fact, one of them, “Do-Re-Mi,” is a delightful tutorial in how to do just that.
Even my husband remarked that he knew most of the songs, and he is not anything even close to a singer. But if you are someone who loves to sing along, this is the show for you. So much of its music has become a part of popular culture, from the title song that introduces us to Maria, to “So Long, Farewell,” the children’s adorable good night tune, to “My Favorite Things,” the song that endears Maria even more to Mother Abbess and then helps endear her to the children, making everyone feel safer when things seem scary. Every single musical number was received Thursday with resounding applause. Pretty much every one of them was met with audience members singing along. (Yes, I am also guilty as charged!)
Those voices resounded through the Shubert itself. Both Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria and Christine Knoll as Mother Abbess brought down the house with each and every one of their numbers. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” which closed the first act, especially showcased Knoll’s power. She was inspiring herself as her character sought to inspire Maria to become who she knew she could be. Capaldi was glorious as Maria, bringing perfect pitch, a refreshing sweetness, and a not-so-quiet strength to the role that made it quite obvious why everyone fell in love with her so easily.
While most people may know the story, it does not make the show or the performances any less endearing. There is something so vibrant about it all even though it has been around since the 1950s. Maybe it is because the story is so simple and unpretentious, yet spirited and vivacious. And let’s not forget the bottom line here (spoiler alert): They escape the Nazis. It’s hard not to love it all.
The show is here for three more days, readers. Grab someone you love and go sing your hearts out to a vital part of musical theater – and Shubert – history.
“The Sound of Music” runs through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased through the Shubert theatre’s website.
