Maria von Trapp's memoir was adapted into 1959's Tony Award-winning musical and 1965's Academy Award-winning film. This R28-million staging combines the best of both into a spectacularly slick production that leaves a lasting impression long after the thunderous and well-deserved applause.
Bethany Dickson, who received a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nomination for her memorable supporting role in Sunset Boulevard, shines as Maria, the young woman who leaves an abbey to become a governess. Dickson played one of the seven children in a previous production while her real-life mother played Maria. No doubt coming from a musical family has helped craft her into the remarkable talent she is today.
Captain von Trapp is played by Andre Schwartz, the award-winning lead of 2004's Phantom of the Opera and recording artist with over a dozen solo albums to his name.
"The Sound of Music is such a fun production to be a part of," he said after the show. More than that, to see his character go from the disciplinarian dad never without his whistle to a loving father of such adorable kids left few dry eyes in the house.
Together with a 13-piece live orchestra, the all-star South African cast perform Rodgers and Hammerstein's memorable classics, rightly described by producer Andrew Lloyd Webber as arguably the best loved songs of all time. In the end, The Sound of Music is more than just a few favourite things; it's a heart-warming experience and food for the soul.
The Sound of Music is at Cape Town's Artscape Theatre until 30 March and at Montecasino's Teatro from 5 April.
Book your ticket at Computicket.
