The Sound of Music at Mirvish is an incredibly enjoyable and nostalgic experience
After four successful Toronto engagements in Mirvish theatres dating back to 1964, the smash-hit musical classic The Sound of Music has returned to Toronto. This critically acclaimed North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut, and will be running at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre through until January 4, 2026.
I had the good fortune of attending their opening night performance, which was an incredibly enjoyable and nostalgic experience. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, this story comes to life, a story which has never felt quite as important as it does today.
The original Broadway production, which was mounted in 1959, won five Tony Awards, including that of Best Musical. The motion picture released 60 years ago in 1965 starring Julie Andrews also won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Sitting in the audience this past week, I could easily understand why the show has seen such success. The set, which of course features both the famed mountains and the gorgeous stained glass of the abbey, easily transports you to Saltzburg, Austria. The score manages to find the perfect balance between cheerful and catchy tunes that you surely know well, such as “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi”, and moving classics, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss”, and of course the titular song, “The Sound of Music.” In fact, since leaving the theatre, I haven’t quite been able to get these earworms out of my head.
The cast is led by the incredibly talented Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria Rainer, who brings joy to the stage as she prances about, singing with her beautiful vibrato. She shines in particular in the presence of the seven von Trapp children, who are all sure to bring a smile to your face every time they enter the stage. Not to be forgotten as well is Broadway veteran Christiane Noll, a Tony- and Drama Desk- nominee playing the role of the Mother Abbess. Her performance of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, including the reprise at the end of the show, brought many to tears.
Producer Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive of Concord, said, “It’s a great privilege to bring a new tour of this landmark musical to theaters across North America. People of all ages will discover or rediscover their love of this classic story that remains so appropriate for our time. Thanks to our distinguished team, led by the master Jack O’Brien, audiences can expect a truly magnificent production of “The Sound of Music”.
For assistance booking special access seats or for information about their Accessibility Services, call 1.800.461.3333. Real-time closed captioning comes right to your own personal mobile device. Audio Description is also available with this production and available for performances beginning December 16. Visit the GalaPro (https://www.galapro.com/) page for more info. The show runs two hours and 50 minutes, including intermission. Info: www.SoundOfMusicOnTour.com.
