Few musicals have achieved the kind of enduring, cross-generational impact as The Sound of Music. Since its Broadway debut in 1959, followed by the beloved 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews, the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic has remained a cornerstone of American theater — a story that continues to resonate as strongly today as it did more than half a century ago.
That legacy arrives at Playhouse Square in Cleveland from April 22–26, 2026, as a new touring revival breathes fresh life into the timeless tale of Maria Rainer, the spirited young woman who transforms the lives of the von Trapp family through music, compassion, and courage.
At the heart of this production is Cayleigh Capaldi, who steps into the iconic role of Maria with both reverence and a distinctly modern perspective.
“It’s very, very special,” Capaldi says of taking on the role. “What’s beautiful about this story is that no matter what generation you’re from, there is some connection to The Sound of Music. It’s something that multiple generations can share together and treasure as a sort of family tradition. I grew up watching the movie as well. It has such a powerful message and these strong, beautiful themes of love and family and courage. I think it’s very special, and I feel very lucky to be a part of this new revival because we are bringing a fresh perspective to the story while also making sure that we honor the source material.”
That balance between honoring tradition and embracing reinvention is part of what has allowed The Sound of Music to remain so culturally relevant. Beneath its sweeping melodies and picturesque Austrian backdrop lies a story grounded in resilience, identity, and moral conviction — themes that continue to connect with audiences of all ages.
For Capaldi, that universality is at the core of the show’s enduring magic.
“I think it really encapsulates what the magic of theater is,” she explains. “No matter who you are, where you come from, or how old you are, a story is something that we can all relate to — something we can all share together.”
Capaldi’s own journey to the stage feels almost inevitable. Coming from a long lineage of performers, she describes her career path not as a choice, but as something deeply ingrained.
“There was no other choice at any point than to become a performer,” she says. “It was a self-imposed decision. My parents actually encouraged me to consider something more stable, but I think the deal was sealed well before I was born. It’s in my DNA. I come from a long line of vaudevillians and performers and theater owners in Scotland, England, and Italy. That history instilled in me a work ethic and a philosophy of not giving up when things feel hard.”
That sense of legacy clearly informs her approach to Maria — a character brought to life by countless performers over the decades, each adding their own interpretation. Capaldi embraced both the history of the role and the real-life woman behind it.
“I wanted to begin with the real Maria von Trapp, because she was a real person,” Capaldi says. “I read her memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, which really contains her inner thoughts. That gave me a roadmap for creating the bones of the character. At the same time, I didn’t want to ignore the contributions of Mary Martin or Julie Andrews or the incredible women who have played the role since.”
Her interpretation also reflects a conscious effort to bring authenticity and individuality to the stage.
“I wanted to consider what I, as a modern woman in 2026, could bring to the role,” she continues. “For example, I chose to keep my natural hair texture and color. There’s something poetic about how her long, unbound curly hair reflects her uncontainable spirit — that she’s bursting with creativity and life.”
That attention to detail extends far beyond Capaldi’s performance. This touring production places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, embracing traditional theatrical elements that are increasingly rare in modern productions.
“Jane Greenwood’s costumes are absolutely gorgeous,” Capaldi says. “Many of the fabrics and materials are sourced directly from Austria. And our set designer, Douglas Schmidt, has created real, tangible set pieces — with hand-painted backdrops, which is such a lost art nowadays. There’s so much love and expertise that went into every aspect of this show.”
The result is a production that not only tells a beloved story but also celebrates the artistry of theater itself — from costume design to scenic work, all working together to immerse audiences in the world of the von Trapps.
As the tour makes its way to Cleveland, Capaldi is especially excited to connect with local audiences and share a story that feels both nostalgic and deeply relevant.
“I really can’t wait for us to be in Cleveland,” she says. “Whether or not you grew up with the movie, it’s a timeless piece of American theater. It’s the story of a woman learning how to love herself, learning how to love others fully, and choosing to do what is right in the face of evil. Those are things we can all learn from.”
And, of course, there’s the music — those instantly recognizable songs that have become part of the cultural fabric.
“The music is so uplifting,” Capaldi adds. “You’ll leave the theater humming. But beyond that, it offers hope. If you need a little bit of hope, The Sound of Music is for you.”
With its sweeping score, heartfelt storytelling, and a fresh yet faithful approach, this latest production ensures that The Sound of Music continues to do what it has always done best: bring people together, one song at a time.
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