The Sound of Music

Nominated for 9 Tony Awards, and Winner of Best Musical

When carefree nun-in-training Maria is sent by her convent to be the governess of seven children, she finds herself unexpectedly questioning her choices in life and falling in love with the children’s stern father, all the while the events of World War II play out in the background. One of the most beloved musicals of all time and a holiday favorite, The Sound of Music has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years. Experience it for the first time or all over again at Paramount Theatre, where our lobby will be decked out in Christmas decorations, including a two-story Christmas tree.

Suggested for ages 5+, includes some discriminatory language, depiction of Nazis and images of swastikas. Click here for classroom materials.

Music by RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

The Sound of Music is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.

Director’s notes

As I was preparing to go into rehearsal for this show, I was reminded of the story of the lyrics to “Edelweiss.” The Broadway musical came before the beloved and iconic film. The show was in its out of town tryout before the transfer to Broadway, when the team felt that there needed to be another song for the Captain to bid farewell to his Austria. Richard Rodgers wrote the music and Oscar Hammerstein II, the lyrics. The music came first and when asked for the lyrics, Hammerstein, who at the time was very ill from stomach cancer, allowed the beautiful, yet simple words to “Edelweiss” to emerge. It was the last song the duo would ever write together.

In one of his darkest times, Hammerstein wrote a song of hope, resilience, determination and love. It is a timely reminder to us all that love and beauty will forever “bloom and grow” out of the dark and cold.

It is always a daunting task to direct these iconic stories at the holidays, especially one that has been shared and experienced by multiple generations and holds certain expectations from many entering through the theatre doors. However, as I watched the movie with my five-year-old daughter, I was reminded that there is a whole generation that this story will be completely new to, and I am inspired to share this beautiful musical with them.

I ask that you allow yourself to release any preconceived notions of what you think of this musical. Please hear this show as if you have never heard it before. Although this piece was written 63 years ago about events that happened 84 years ago, the story feels as contemporary and poignant as ever in our current world.

Thank you for supporting live theatre as we continue to emerge from when our doors were closed and our stages were dark. The artists, artisans and staff of the theatre are very much like the edelweiss of the mountains, blooming out of the dark with new life, vibrancy, determination, resilience, love and radical appreciation to continue to create beauty together in the world.

-Amber Mak, Director