CENTERVILLE—The hills are alive with the sound of music at CenterPoint Theatre. What has become a timeless classic, “The Sound of Music” brings familiar characters such as Maria and Captain Von Trapp to the stage. 

The production is filled with well-known musical numbers including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “The Sound of Music.”

Set in Austria in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, a nun “in training,” who is sent by Mother Abbess to be a governess to the seven Von Trapp children whose widowed father has become cold and distant since his wife’s death. 

Maria is no ordinary governess and soon has the children singing, something that has become forbidden in the household. She also replaces their stiff uniforms for play clothes she made out of the curtains in her room. When the Captain sees the children, he orders them to change and tells Maria to go back to the abby. The children start singing “The Sound of Music,” that Maria taught them, to welcome Baroness Elsa Schraeder, Von Trapp’s love interest. He softens when he hears the song, telling Maria to stay.

However, when she starts to have feelings for the Captain and believes he has them for her too, she decides to go back to the Abby and leaves without saying goodbye. When she gets there and tells Mother Abbess she’s ready to take her vows, the nun tells her to return and find out if she truly loves him and what God’s will is for her.

When Maria returns, she learns of the wedding plans between the Captain and the Baroness and decides to stay until they can get another governess. As the Auschluss (the annexation of the Federal State of Austria into Nazi Germany) becomes inevitable, the Captain refuses to compromise his opposition to it and the Baroness breaks off their engagement. Finding themselves together, Maria and the Captain acknowledge their love for each other.

While on their honeymoon, they receive word that Herr Zeller, the Gauleiter of the region, wants to know why they’re not flying the Flag of Nazi Germany. Under the pressure of a commission in the German Navy, the family decides to secretly flee Austria. With the help of a friend, after the Von Trapps sing at the Kaltzburg Festival he spirits them off where they seek refuge at the Abby and then over the Alps.

Emily Henwood (M/W/F) is wonderful as Maria, singing all of the classical songs to perfection. The Von Trapp children Kali Garrett (Liesl, M/W/F), Jack Fillmore (Fredrich, M/W/F), Audrie Corbaley (Louisa, M/W/F), Ty Wilson (Kurt, M/W/F), Malan Poll (Brigitta, M/W/F), Eleanor Stephens (Marta, M/W/F) and Kacy Kemp (Gretl, M/W/F) are delightful. 

Captain Von Trapp (Clay Rockwood, M/W/F) and Mother Abbess (Valerie Packer) also lead the rest of an amazing cast.

“The Sound of Music” is a mix of love for family and country despite the darkness of the time. Originally the show was set to run through April 22 but due to popular demand, two more performances were added to the schedule, April 23, 24. The Sound of Music plays Monday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees. Ticket prices range from $24– $41and can be purchased online at https://centerpointtheatre.org/ or at the box office. CenterPoint Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.