The Sound of Music

AN R&H THEATRICALS TITLE

The Sound of Music

Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy  /  7w, 4m, 5girl(s), 2boy(s) plus ensemble

Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp

One of the most beloved musicals of all time! In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.

Image: 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Production (Jeremy Daniel)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    7w, 4m, 5girl(s), 2boy(s) plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Period, Docudrama/History, Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Five 1960 Tony Awards, including Best Musical
    Nominee: Eight 1960 Tony Awards
    Winner! Five 1966 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Music
    Nominee: Ten 1966 Academy Awards
    Winner! Two 1966 Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture
    Nominee: 1998 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical

Details

Summary

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.

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History

The Sound of Music opened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s last musical was a triumph. It ran for 1,443 performances and earned five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In addition, the cast album earned a Gold Record and the Grammy Award. Florence Henderson starred in the first national tour, which played for over two years. Jean Bayless created the role of Maria in the original London production, which ran for over six years, long holding the record as the longest-running American musical in London.

In 1965 the motion picture version of The Sound of Music was released, and it made Hollywood history. Directed by Robert Wise, with a score revised by Rodgers (Hammerstein had died in 1960, so Rodgers composed both music and lyrics for two songs added to the film: “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good”), and a screenplay by Ernest Lehman, The Sound of Music boasted a dream cast: Julie Andrews as Maria, Christopher Plummer as the Captain, Eleanor Parker as Elsa, Peggy Wood as the Mother Abbess and Charmian Carr as Liesl. (Trivia buffs will note that Hollywood’s most famous unseen voice, Marni Nixon, here has an on-screen role as Sister Sophia, and that the actual real-life Maria von Trapp has a cameo appearance in a Salzburg market scene.) Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Sound of Music has become the most popular movie musical ever made.

Act I

Salzburg, Austria, 1938, on the eve of the Anschluss. In the cloistered sanctuary of Nonnberg Abbey, the nuns invoke Psalm 110 and sing songs of praise (“Preludium”). One of the postulants, Maria, is nowhere to be found. She is instead out in the hills, where she goes “when her heart is lonely” (“The Sound of Music”). Back at the Abbey, Sister Berthe, Sister Sophia and Sister Margaretta debate with Mother Abbess as to whether Maria is prepared for the devout life of a nun (“Maria”). The Mother Abbess calls for Maria, and they discover a shared love of a particular childhood song (“My Favorite Things”). To help Maria mature before committing to the religious life, the Mother Abbess sends her out from the Abbey to serve as temporary governess to the seven children of a former naval officer, Captain Georg von Trapp (“My Favorite Things” Reprise).

Maria arrives and discovers that the Captain has, since the death of his wife, closed himself off emotionally. The Captain introduces Maria to the children, who do not play, but march instead. Realizing they have grown up without music in their lives, Maria teaches the children the basics of singing (“Do-Re-Mi”).

That evening, the oldest child, Liesl, sneaks away to meet Rolf, a local boy who’s caught up in the political fervor of the times. Warning her of the dangers of her innocence, he offers himself as a suitable protector. Liesl, in her way, accepts (“Sixteen Going On Seventeen”). Meanwhile, a loud thunderstorm causes the frightened children to seek out Maria in her bedroom, where she diverts their attention with a rousing folk song (“The Lonely Goatherd”). Later that night in a dark hallway, Gretl musters up joy while frightened at the continuing sounds of the storm (“The Lonely Goatherd” Reprise).

The Captain returns a month later with Elsa Schraeder, a sophisticated Viennese widow. They are accompanied by Max Detweiler, Third Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture, who is on the hunt for the perfect local singing group to perform at the annual Kaltzberg Festival. Elsa finds it charming here in the provinces but is frustrated that the Captain has yet to propose to her. Max explains what’s standing in the way: both Elsa and the Captain are rich! (“How Can Love Survive?”).

Maria arrives with the children, all wearing clothing that Maria has made from her old bedroom curtains. The Captain is embarrassed and enraged. Maria confronts him and tells him how little he understands his children, and he orders her back to Nonnberg. But when he hears the children singing for Elsa (“The Sound of Music” Reprise), his heart opens up. Moved that Maria has brought music back into his home, the Captain asks her to stay.

The Captain throws a lavish party so the local gentry can meet Elsa (“The Grand Waltz”). However, the political divide is widening between those who support the proposed German takeover and those like von Trapp, who believe in Austrian sovereignty. As the orchestra plays an Austrian Folk dance (“Laendler”), young Kurt tries to remember it with Maria. The Captain steps in and, as they dance, the Captain and Maria recognize their unspoken attraction. Brigitta confirms it to Maria, who promptly breaks away. At Elsa’s request, the children sing for the guests (“So Long, Farewell”). Max is thrilled: a singing group of seven children in one family? Perfect for the Festival! The children make their way to bed; the guests make their way to dinner; and Maria, confused by her encounter with the Captain, leaves without saying goodbye, fleeing back to Nonnberg Abbey.

At the Abbey, Maria tells the Mother Abbess that she is ready to take the orders of poverty, obedience and chastity (“Morning Hymn”). But the Mother Abbess, realizing that Maria has fallen in love, encourages Maria to return to the Captain and find the life she was born to live (“Climb Ev’ry Mountain”).

Act II

Max, in anticipation of the upcoming Kaltzberg Festival, rehearses with the children. But without Maria, they’ve lost the joy of making music (“My Favorite Things” Reprise). Suddenly, Maria returns, and they’re delighted! But they have news for her: Father is going to be married to Frau Schraeder. Maria’s heart is broken, but she resolves to fulfill her duties until arrangements can be made for a new governess.

The political situation is worsening, and Max and Elsa implore the Captain to weather the coming storm by being noncommittal (“No Way to Stop It”). The Captain remains unwavering in his disgust for the Nazis, and he and Elsa realize that they cannot share a future. Elsa returns to Vienna for good. Seeing Maria again, the Captain now understands what he and Maria have both known deep inside for many weeks (“An Ordinary Couple”).

In Mother Abbess’ office, Mother Abbess and the Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey prepare Maria for her wedding (“Gadeamus Domino”). As the nuns watch, Maria walks down the aisle at her wedding in procession with the children and the Captain (“Maria” Reprise). The procession continues, and the nuns appear behind the family (“Confitemini Domino”).

While Maria and the Captain are away on their honeymoon, the Anschluss occurs; Austria is annexed by Nazi Germany. The von Trapp house is the only one in the province not flying the flag of the Third Reich (“You mean the flag with the black spider on it?” asks Brigitta). The Captain and Maria return to find that much has changed: Many have joined ranks with the Nazis, including Rolf and Franz the butler. Max, without the Captain’s knowledge, has been readying the children for their performance at the Festival. The Captain refuses to allow his family to perform on behalf of an Austria which no longer exists, and Maria stands by him. Liesl now sees how much Maria truly loves the Captain, and Maria shares her new understanding of love (“Sixteen Going on Seventeen” Reprise).

Admiral von Schreiber of the Third Reich, accompanied by Herr Zeller, the local Nazi leader, arrives to inform Captain von Trapp that he must accept a commission in the German Navy and report immediately to Bremerhaven. Thinking quickly, Maria displays the program for the Festival showing that the Trapp Family Singers – which includes the Captain, of course, as head of the family – are scheduled to perform, so he couldn’t possibly leave now. The Captain gets it, and joins in the impromptu rehearsal. Admiral von Schreiber grants permission for the Captain to report to duty several days later.

The Festival begins (“Do-Re-Mi” Reprise) and von Trapp himself sings a quietly defiant hymn to his beloved Austria (“Edelweiss”). But when Max announces that a guard of honor is waiting to escort the Captain away as soon as the concert is over, Maria leads the von Trapp family in more song as they escape, one by one, into the night (“So Long, Farewell” Reprise). Max gives out the concert prizes slowly, buying time. The Trapp Family Singers are announced as winners of the Festival, but they are nowhere to be found.

The family takes refuge in the garden of Nonnberg Abbey as Nazi soldiers swarm the hallowed ground. It is Rolf who discovers the von Trapps, but seeing Liesl, he chooses not to reveal their hiding place. Still there seems to be no way out; the Nazis have closed the border and are guarding every road. The family has no choice but to make their way to freedom by way of the mountain. It is a daunting journey, but Maria, who grew up on that mountain, knows the way. The Mother Abbess reminds them that they will have help: “For ye shall go out with joy and the very hills shall break forth before you into singing” (“Finale Ultimo: Climb Ev’ry Mountain”).

PRINCIPALS
3 Women
5 Girls (ages 5, 7, 9, 13 and 16)
2 Men
2 Boys (ages 11 and 14)

FEATURED
4 Women
2 Men

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

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

Note: In this show, the race of the characters is not pivotal to the plot. We encourage you to consider diversity and inclusion in your casting choices.

In this show, the race of the characters is not pivotal to the plot. We encourage you to consider diversity and inclusion in your casting choices.

  • Time Period 1940s/WWII, 1930s
  • Setting Austria, 1938, before the Nazi occupation.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“The loveliest musical imaginable!” – New York Telegram and Sun

“The soaring optimism of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ is a match for any 60s pop anthem, and the genius of the show lies in the affirmation that it is possible to have youthful exuberance, idealism and love without the sex and drugs and rock ’n’ roll.”Paul Simei-Barton, The New Zealand Herald

“An irresistible score that’s always in tune!” – Entertainment Weekly

“The sentiments of The Sound of Music are genuine and are presented, unabashedly and effectively, in the show’s music, lyrics and dialogue... It is uplifting theater, appealing successfully and without apology to the better side of our natures.” – Douglas J. Keating, The Philadelphia Inquirer

“It’s not just the perfect compatibility of music and lyrics that makes audiences flock unremittingly to The Sound of Music. The show can jerk tears from even the driest of eyes. And if that isn’t enough, there’s the opportunity for a gaggle of children to mesmerise with their talents and charisma. It’s a near-perfect recipe.” – Peter Brown, LondonTheatre

“The show has considerable integrity and has weathered the years so well.” – Michael Billington, The Guardian

Videos

  • The Sound of Music through history youtube thumbnail

    The Sound of Music through history

  • The Sound of Music Opening Scene youtube thumbnail

    The Sound of Music Opening Scene

  • The Musicology of "My Favorite Things" youtube thumbnail

    The Musicology of "My Favorite Things"

  • Audra McDonald sings "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from The Sound of Music | LIVE at The Kennedy Center youtube thumbnail

    Audra McDonald sings "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from The Sound of Music | LIVE at The Kennedy Center

  • “The Sound of Music” – A Look At Oscar Hammerstein II’s Lyrics  youtube thumbnail

    “The Sound of Music” – A Look At Oscar Hammerstein II’s Lyrics

  • Julie Andrews – “I Have Confidence” (Official Lyric Video)  youtube thumbnail

    Julie Andrews – “I Have Confidence” (Official Lyric Video)

Show more +

Photos

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Production (Jeremy Daniel)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Production (Jeremy Daniel)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Production (Jeremy Daniel)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Production (Jeremy Daniel)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2015 US National Tour Production (Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2015 US National Tour Production (Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2006 West End Production (Tristram Kenton)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 2006 West End Production (Tristram Kenton)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 1998 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 1998 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The Sound of Music

    Image: 1998 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

Show more +

Music

Music Samples

Act I

1. “Preludium” – The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
1a. “Dixit Dominus” – The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
1b. “Morning Hymn” – The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
1c. “Angelus Bells” – The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
1d. “Alleluia The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
2. “The Sound of Music” – Maria
3. Interlude
4. “Maria” – Sisters Berthe, Sophia, Margaretta and Mother Abbess
5. The Scene Continues
6. “My Favorite Things” – Maria and Mother Abbess
7. “The Scene Continues: My Favorite Things” – Maria
8. The Scene Continues
9. “Do-Re-Mi” – Maria and the von Trapp Children
9a. Encore: Do-Re-Mi
10. Change of Scene
11. “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” – Rolf and Liesl
12. Change of Scene
13. Incidental: Scene 7
14. “The Lonely Goatherd” – Maria and the Children
15. “After The Lonely Goatherd” – Maria and the Children
15a. Gretl’s Crossover: The Lonely Goatherd
15b. Change of Scene
16. “How Can Love Survive?” – Max, Elsa, Captain von Trapp
17. “Reprise: The Sound of Music” – The von Trapp Children
18. “The Scene Continues” – Maria, Captain von Trapp
19. End of Scene
20. The Party Crossover: My Favorite Things
21. The Party: Grand Waltz
22. Ländler
23. Fox Trot: Incidental
23a. Waltz: Incidental
24. “So Long, Farewell” – The Children, Captain von Trapp
25. End of Scene: Maria’s Farewell
26. “Nun’s Processional: Morning Hymn” – The Nuns
27. Incidental
28. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” – Mother Abbess

Act II

29. Entr’acte
29a. “Opening Act II: The Lonely Goatherd” – Max, The Children
30. Vocal Incidental for Dialogue
31. “Incidental – a cappella: The Sound of Music” – The Children
32. “Reprise: My Favorite Things” – The Children
33. “No Way to Stop It” – Elsa, Captain von Trapp
34. “An Ordinary Couple” – Maria, Captain von Trapp
35. Change of Scene
36. Wedding Preparation
- I. The Postulants’ Crossover
- II. The Bride’s Dressing Music
37. “Change of Scene: Gaudeamus Domino” – Mother Abbess, The Nuns
37a. “Processional” – Mother Abbess, The Nuns
37b. “Confitemini Domino” – The Nuns
38. Change of Scene: My Favorite Things
39. Homecoming Music: An Ordinary Couple
40. “Reprise: Sixteen Going on Seventeen” – Maria, Liesl
41. “Reprise: Do-Re-Mi” – Maria, The Children
41a. Change of Scene
41b. “The Concert: Do-Re-Mi” – Maria, The Children
42. “Edelweiss” – Captain von Trapp
43. “Reprise: So Long, Farewell” – Maria, Captain von Trapp, The Children
44. The Awards
44a. Change of Scene
45. Incidental
46. “Finale Ultimo: Climb Ev’ry Mountain” – Ensemble
47. Bows and Exit Music

Full Orchestration

1   Flute 1
1   Flute 2 – Piccolo
1   Oboe – English Horn
1   Clarinet 1
1   Clarinet 2
1   Bassoon
1   Horn 1
1   Horn 2
1   Horn 3
1   Trumpet 1
1   Trumpet 2
1   Trumpet 3
1   Trombone 1
1   Trombone 2
1   Tuba
1   Percussion – Drum Set, Chime (E), Orchestra Bells, 2 Timpani, Temple Block, Woodblock & Triangle
1   Guitar – Mandolin
1   Harp
1   Piano (Optional)*
2   Violin 1 (4 players, divisi)
2   Violin 2 (4 players divisi)
1   Viola (2 players, divisi)
1   Cello (2 players, divisi)
1   Bass (1 player)

1   Optional String Synth – Replaces Violin, Viola & Cello**

*The original Broadway orchestration of The Sound of Music was conceived and performed without a piano part. This part is to be used only when a harp is not available and to cover specific string and on-stage guitar cues, should it become necessary. A keyboard with patches for harp, strings or guitar (as needed) may be used instead of an acoustic piano. 

**The Synthesizer Strings part contains all Violin, Viola and Cello parts formatted into one keyboard part, however it is not necessarily intended to be played as such. Consult with your musical director to find out how to best utilize this part to augment and enrich your string section. 


  • Musical Style Classic Broadway
  • Dance Requirements Easy
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size X-Large
  • Chorus Size Large

Licensing & Materials

  • PLEASE BE ADVISED: There are multiple versions of this title. Before you proceed, please double-check to ensure that you are applying for the version you want. We will not be able to refund rental or shipping fees if you pay for the wrong version.

    If you’re not sure which version best suits your needs, you may purchase a perusal for each available version.

    THE SOUND OF MUSIC

    THE SOUND OF MUSIC: YOUTH EDITION

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!

22   Vocal Book
1   Piano-Vocal (rehearsal)

1   Flute 1
1   Flute 2 – Piccolo
1   Oboe – English Horn
1   Clarinet 1
1   Clarinet 2
1   Bassoon
1   Horn 1
1   Horn 2
1   Horn 3
1   Trumpet 1
1   Trumpet 2
1   Trumpet 3
1   Trombone 1
1   Trombone 2
1   Tuba
1   Percussion – Drum Set, Chime (E), Orchestra Bells, 2 Timpani, Temple Block, Woodblock & Triangle
1   Guitar – Mandolin
1   Harp
1   Piano (Optional)
2   Violin 1 (4 players, divisi)
2   Violin 2 (4 players divisi)
1   Viola (2 players, divisi)
1   Cello (2 players, divisi)
1   Bass (1 player)

1   Optional String Synth – Replaces Violin, Viola & Cello

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Additional Material: 

  • A Full Score is available for this title for an additional fee. Please contact your licensing representative for more information.
  • Alternative song "Something Good" is available for an additional fee. Please contact your licensing representative for more information.

Piano Only:
22   Vocal Book
1   Piano-Vocal
Digital Download
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Two-Piano Arrangement:
22   Vocal Book
1   Piano-Vocal (Rehearsal)
2   Two-Piano Arrangement - Act 1 
2   Two Piano Arrangement - Act 2

Digital DownloadLogo

Alternative song “Something Good” is available for an additional fee. Please contact your licensing representative for more information.

Authors

Richard Rodgers

Richard Rodgers' contribution to the musical theatre of his day was extraordinary, and his influence on the musical theatre of today and tomorrow is legendary. His career spanned more than six decades, his hits ranging from the silver screens of Hollywood to the bright light ...

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Oscar Hammerstein II

Oscar Hammerstein II was born on July 12, 1895 in New York City. His father, William, was a theatre manager and for many years director of Hammerstein's Victoria, the most popular vaudeville theatre of its day. His uncle, Arthur Hammerstein, was a successful Broadway producer ...

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Howard Lindsay

Howard Lindsay (1889-1968) was an actor, stage manager, director and playwright before teaming up with Russel Crouse. Lindsay and Crouse's partnership stands today as the longest collaboration of any writers in theatrical history, lasting for more than 28 years. The two men f ...

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Russel Crouse

Russel Crouse (1893-1966) was a newspaperman, a press agent for the Theatre Guild, the author of several books and a librettist before partnering with Howard Lindsay. Lindsay and Crouse's partnership stands today as the longest collaboration of any writers in theatrical histo ...

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Author

Maria Augusta Trapp

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