The cast of “The Sound of Music.” Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
For the waning days of summer, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents a world-famous musical which is a favorite of many—Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” Most will be familiar with the story of the stern Captain von Trapp and his precocious children and the successful efforts of the nun postulate, Maria, to return love and music to the once happy home after the death of the Captain’s wife. The production, presented expertly under the directorship of Patrick A’Hearn, is brought to life with a talented cast of singers and actors as well as a superb orchestra directed by Carson Eubank.
…presented expertly under the directorship of Patrick A’Hearn…a talented cast of singers and actors as well as a superb orchestra, directed by Carson Eubank.
Known for the Oscar-winning music version (which this production occasionally pays tribute to), “The Sound of Music” in staged performances is coming back into vogue. This is a very welcome development, as the stage musical contains more depth than the film. In one instance, the Captain chooses Maria not because simply because she bonds more with the children than baroness Elsa Schraeder (his current romantic interest), but because Maria is a loving soul mate with similar values. This contrasts with the calculating Elsa’s eagerness to accept Nazi influence and eventual rule in Austria on the eve of Germany’s Anschluss (annexation) of Austria. This facet of the musical is played to great effect in this version, with the forceful acting of Tim Rogan embodying the spirit of Captain Von Trapp, the proud, naval captain of noble lineage, leaving little doubt of the character’s disdain for the Nazis. Mr. Rogan sings beautifully, too, notably as he blends his voice with the talented cast of children in the eponymous “The Sound of Music” and the memorably poignant “Edelweiss.”
Maria Rainer is performed by the talented Sarah Mae Andersen in a manner reminiscent of Julie Andrews in gestures and intonation. She sings the classic songs, such as “My Favorite Things,” beautifully. (It should here be noted that fans of the film will be intrigued how songs such as “My Favorite Things” and “The Lonely Goatherd” occur at different points and in different contexts in the stage musical versus the film.)
The Mother Abbess is sung operatically by Kelly Glyptis in an epic “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” the standout performance of the show. A classically-trained singer and native of Manassas, Virginia, she has lived for many years in London where she performed in both musicals and operas.
Frau Schraeder (Kiley Ernest) and Max Detweiler (Jordan B. Stocksdale) perform in an excellent trio with Mr. Rogan’s Captain von Trapp in “How Can Love Survive” and “No Way to Stop It,” songs not in the film version.
Costumes by Bee Gable are highly effective in setting the era and cultural milieu of 1930s Salzburg. The scenic designs by Christopher Fleming include a large stone wall and pillars which convincingly transform the stage set from the abbey to the Von Trapp estate.
The dinner theatre offered bratwurst, Hähnchenschnitzel, and apple strudel—some of this reviewer’s favorite things. Tailored to the show, the central European cuisine complemented this highly enjoyable production of “The Sound of Music” at Riverside.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
“The Sound of Music” runs through October 26, 2025 at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office 540.370.4300, Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm; Thursday, Friday 10 am – 7:30 pm; Saturday 12 pm – 7:30 pm or go online.
