Cast: 7w, 4m, 5girl(s), 2boy(s) plus ensemble. Musical

The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music, has become a play beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II.

The Sound of Music tells the tale of a novice nun Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the Von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, with laughter, and with music. In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children – and their widower father, Captain Von Trapp. With the Mother Abbess’ blessing, and to the children’s delight, Maria follows her heart, and Maria and the Captain marry.

Upon returning home from their honeymoon, Maria and the Captain learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired Captain is asked to report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy. When the Nazis show up at their door to take Captain Von Trapp away, it is a family singing engagement (wily navigated by their friend Max) that buys the family time to make their narrow escape. Their Austrian convictions compel Maria, the Captain, and the children to flee over the mountains of Switzerland to safety, taking the words of the Mother Abbess to heart: “Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream.”

When: March 19 & 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 from 10:00-Noon

Where: Northland College Theater; 1101 Highway One East, Thief River Falls

What: Sing a song of your choice accompanied and read from the script.

Performances are scheduled for June 10, 11, 12 and 15, 16, 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Directed by: Jane Anderson

CHARACTERS

• Maria Rainer – A Postulant at Nonnberg Abbey
• The Mother Abbess
• Sister Berthe – Mistress of Novices
• Sister Margaretta – Mistress of Postulants
• Sister Sophia
• Captain Georg von Trapp
• Franz – The butler
• Frau Schmidt – The housekeeper
• Liesl von Trapp – Age 16
• Friedrich von Trapp – Age 14
• Louisa von Trapp – Age 13
• Kurt von Trapp – Age 10
• Brigitta von Trapp – Age 9
• Marta von Trapp – Age 7
• Gretl von Trapp – The youngest
• Rolf Gruber – Age 17
• Elsa Schraeder
• Ursula
• Max Detweiler
• Herr Zeller
• Baron Elberfeld
• A New Postulant
• Admiral von Schreiber

ENSEMBLE

• Neighbors of Captain von Trapp, nuns, novices, postulants, and contestants at the Festival Concert

Character Descriptions

**Sides Coming Soon

PERFORMANCES

June 10–12 and 15–17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. - Northland Community & Technical College

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.