You don’t have to know who Maria von Trapp is to know songs such as “My Favorite Things” or “Do-Re-Mi.”
Music from the Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" is simply a major part of pop culture. From the original Broadway production in 1959 to the classic film starring Julie Andrews in 1965 and even NBC's live production starring Carrie Underwood in 2013, the romantic and political story of the von Trapp family has truly stood the test of time.
A national tour of the production will visit the Fox Theatre for nearly a week starting on March 1.
But, Andy Einhorn, musical supervisor, said “this isn’t your grandmother’s ‘Sound of Music.’”
Giving the musical a fresh perspective was just as important as reminding the audience of the nostalgia surrounding the production, he said.
He admits this was no easy feat, however.
“You’re dealing with a [musical] that has been beloved by people for 50 years,” he said.
Kerstin Anderson, who portrays Maria von Trapp in this production, believes one of the ways they were able to give the musical a fresh feel was by utilizing a younger cast.
Anderson had just completed her sophomore year at Pace University when her manager suggested she audition for the role. Directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, the production began touring in September 2015.
Anderson said she realizes she is younger than many of the notable actresses were when they portrayed the character. And, so is Ashley Brown, the actress who takes on the role of Mother Abbess.
“This gives their relationship a different dynamic,” she said.
Anderson and Einhorn both agree that this dynamic gives way to one of their favorite moments in the show.
Near the beginning of the show, Anderson and Brown perform the popular song “My Favorite Things.” This differs from the 1965 film in which Maria first performs the song with the von Trapp children during a thunderstorm.
Einhorn said he believes this musical number helps the audience to see similarities between the two characters that they might not have previously noticed.
Another one of Anderson's favorite moments in the show is singing "Do-Re-Mi" with the children that portray the von Trapp siblings.
"In the best way, you can never tell what they are going to do," she said.
While the show will feature many fun moments, Einhorn said it will also address the political aspect of the story in ways that the 1965 film seemed to gloss over.
In the “Sound of Music,” Maria and Captain von Trapp devise a plan to flee Austria after the patriarch refuses to serve in the Germany navy due to his disapproval of Nazi ideology.
“Our production isn’t dark, but it isn’t avoiding the topic,” Einhorn said.
In this regard, he likened the production to other musicals such as the extremely popular "Hamilton."
If You Go: March 1 - 6. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. Cost: $30 - $125. foxtheatre.org. 404-881-2100.
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