Having never previously seen either the classic 1965 film or a stage production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein masterpiece, I walked into the theater largely unfamiliar with what many consider one of the most beloved musicals ever created. By the end of the evening, I understood exactly why this production has endured for nearly 70 years and why songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” have embedded themselves so deeply into the cultural fabric of America.
This was not simply a good production. It was a flawless one. From the opening moments, the touring cast transformed the San Diego Civic Theatre into something immersive, warm, emotionally resonant, and almost impossibly elegant. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, this production understands something many modern revivals forget: timelessness does not require reinvention for reinvention’s sake. Sometimes greatness survives because the material itself is extraordinary.
And extraordinary it was. The set design and scene transitions moved with breathtaking smoothness, creating a cinematic flow rarely achieved in live theater. Massive interiors dissolved into sweeping Austrian landscapes with near-magical precision, while the lighting and orchestration wrapped the audience in an atmosphere that felt simultaneously intimate and grand. Every technical aspect of the production operated with the kind of precision that becomes invisible because it works so perfectly.
But ultimately, The Sound of Music lives or dies on performance, and this cast delivered at an elite level across the board. Cayleigh Capaldi’s Maria radiated charisma, warmth, humor, and emotional sincerity without ever drifting into caricature. Kevin Earley brought a commanding but vulnerable gravitas to Captain von Trapp, grounding the production emotionally as the story evolves from playful musical charm into something far more poignant against the backdrop of rising fascism in pre-war Austria.
This was not simply a good production. It was a flawless one. From the opening moments, the touring cast transformed the San Diego Civic Theatre into something immersive, warm, emotionally resonant, and almost impossibly elegant. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, this production understands something many modern revivals forget: timelessness does not require reinvention for reinvention’s sake. Sometimes greatness survives because the material itself is extraordinary.
And extraordinary it was. The set design and scene transitions moved with breathtaking smoothness, creating a cinematic flow rarely achieved in live theater. Massive interiors dissolved into sweeping Austrian landscapes with near-magical precision, while the lighting and orchestration wrapped the audience in an atmosphere that felt simultaneously intimate and grand. Every technical aspect of the production operated with the kind of precision that becomes invisible because it works so perfectly.
But ultimately, The Sound of Music lives or dies on performance, and this cast delivered at an elite level across the board. Cayleigh Capaldi’s Maria radiated charisma, warmth, humor, and emotional sincerity without ever drifting into caricature. Kevin Earley brought a commanding but vulnerable gravitas to Captain von Trapp, grounding the production emotionally as the story evolves from playful musical charm into something far more poignant against the backdrop of rising fascism in pre-war Austria.
And then there are the children. Productions featuring large ensembles of young performers can often feel uneven or overly rehearsed. Not here. The von Trapp children were exceptional, each bringing distinct personality, vocal confidence, and emotional authenticity to the stage. Their chemistry felt natural and joyful, which made the emotional beats land even harder as the story progressed. By the time the audience arrived at “So Long, Farewell,” the Civic Theatre felt completely under the spell of the production.
What becomes especially striking watching The Sound of Music in 2026 is how elegantly the musical balances lightness and darkness. Beneath the whimsy and instantly recognizable melodies lies a story about authoritarianism, courage, displacement, family, and moral conviction.
What becomes especially striking watching The Sound of Music in 2026 is how elegantly the musical balances lightness and darkness. Beneath the whimsy and instantly recognizable melodies lies a story about authoritarianism, courage, displacement, family, and moral conviction.
The musical debuted on Broadway in 1959, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, inspired by the real-life story of the von Trapp family singers who fled Nazi-controlled Austria. The Oscar-winning 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews eventually became one of the most successful movie musicals in cinematic history, helping cement the production as a multigenerational institution.
Yet somehow, despite decades of familiarity and cultural saturation, the material has not aged poorly. Quite the opposite. Like a fine wine, The Sound of Music has deepened with time. Its sincerity now feels almost radical in an era dominated by cynicism, irony, and disposable entertainment. The production dares to believe in beauty, family, kindness, sacrifice, and music itself as a force capable of holding people together in terrifying times.
Yet somehow, despite decades of familiarity and cultural saturation, the material has not aged poorly. Quite the opposite. Like a fine wine, The Sound of Music has deepened with time. Its sincerity now feels almost radical in an era dominated by cynicism, irony, and disposable entertainment. The production dares to believe in beauty, family, kindness, sacrifice, and music itself as a force capable of holding people together in terrifying times.
That emotional sincerity is exactly why the audience responded so powerfully throughout the evening. You could feel entire generations connecting to the material simultaneously - longtime fans revisiting something deeply nostalgic while newcomers like myself experienced these songs and story beats for the first time in real time.
And that is what makes Broadway San Diego so important to the cultural fabric of this city. At a time when arts organizations across America continue battling financial pressures, shrinking attention spans, and uncertain public support, Broadway San Diego continues bringing an extraordinary mixture of modern Broadway hits, timeless classics, family productions, and award-winning contemporary theater directly into downtown San Diego. Their programming is remarkably balanced, capable of introducing new audiences to theater while still satisfying lifelong devotees. One month audiences can experience a modern phenomenon like MJ or The Notebook, and the next they can be transported into one of the most beloved musicals ever written.
San Diego is genuinely fortunate to have an organization so deeply committed to keeping large-scale live theater thriving downtown.
And on a personal level, I genuinely owe Broadway San Diego some gratitude. Theater was never something I expected to fall in love with. If you had told me years ago that I would become emotionally invested in touring Broadway productions, eagerly anticipate musical lineups, or leave a theater humming Rodgers & Hammerstein songs into the San Diego night air, I probably would have laughed. But over time, Broadway San Diego quietly broadened my horizons and introduced me to an art form I had largely overlooked. Somewhere along the journey, I became a theater lover. Maybe even a musical theater guy. That realization still feels slightly surreal, but also incredibly rewarding.
And honestly, what a beautiful gateway The Sound of Music turned out to be. Because this production does not simply remind audiences why this musical became legendary. It reminds us why live theater itself still matters.
For nearly three hours inside the San Diego Civic Theatre, an audience full of strangers laughed together, gasped together, applauded together, and ultimately stood together in ovation for a story first told generations ago that somehow still feels completely alive.
That is not nostalgia. That is art enduring.
The Sound of Music runs through May 31, 2026 at the San Diego Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. For tickets and information, visit BroadwaySD.com.
And that is what makes Broadway San Diego so important to the cultural fabric of this city. At a time when arts organizations across America continue battling financial pressures, shrinking attention spans, and uncertain public support, Broadway San Diego continues bringing an extraordinary mixture of modern Broadway hits, timeless classics, family productions, and award-winning contemporary theater directly into downtown San Diego. Their programming is remarkably balanced, capable of introducing new audiences to theater while still satisfying lifelong devotees. One month audiences can experience a modern phenomenon like MJ or The Notebook, and the next they can be transported into one of the most beloved musicals ever written.
San Diego is genuinely fortunate to have an organization so deeply committed to keeping large-scale live theater thriving downtown.
And on a personal level, I genuinely owe Broadway San Diego some gratitude. Theater was never something I expected to fall in love with. If you had told me years ago that I would become emotionally invested in touring Broadway productions, eagerly anticipate musical lineups, or leave a theater humming Rodgers & Hammerstein songs into the San Diego night air, I probably would have laughed. But over time, Broadway San Diego quietly broadened my horizons and introduced me to an art form I had largely overlooked. Somewhere along the journey, I became a theater lover. Maybe even a musical theater guy. That realization still feels slightly surreal, but also incredibly rewarding.
And honestly, what a beautiful gateway The Sound of Music turned out to be. Because this production does not simply remind audiences why this musical became legendary. It reminds us why live theater itself still matters.
For nearly three hours inside the San Diego Civic Theatre, an audience full of strangers laughed together, gasped together, applauded together, and ultimately stood together in ovation for a story first told generations ago that somehow still feels completely alive.
That is not nostalgia. That is art enduring.
The Sound of Music runs through May 31, 2026 at the San Diego Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. For tickets and information, visit BroadwaySD.com.
Originally published on May 27, 2026.
