Displaying items by tag: Jack O’Brien

The beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music returns to the Windy City in a dazzling stage revival now playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. This timeless tale of love, courage, and music unfolds with renewed vibrancy, inviting audiences of all ages to fall in love all over again.

Whether you're a lifelong devotee of the film or stage version or stepping into Maria’s world for the very first time, this production offers a theatrical experience that’s as rich as it is resonant. From its sweeping alpine backdrops and meticulously crafted sets to a cast that radiates warmth, wit, and vocal brilliance, every element is designed to stir the soul.

At its core, The Sound of Music remains one of the most enduring love stories ever told - between Maria and Captain von Trapp, yes, but also between a family and their homeland, between music and the human spirit. With iconic songs like “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” this revival doesn’t just revisit a classic - it reawakens it.

Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) in The Sound of Music.

The Sound of Music is a luminous and emotionally stirring stage musical set against the breathtaking backdrop of pre-World War II Austria. At its heart is Maria, a spirited and unconventional postulant at Nonnberg Abbey whose zest for life and spontaneous bursts into song set her apart from the cloistered world of the convent. When she is sent to serve as governess to the seven children of the widowed and emotionally distant Captain Georg von Trapp, Maria finds herself in a household governed by strict discipline and silence. Though initially met with skepticism and resistance, her warmth, imagination, and infectious love of music gradually break through the children’s defenses - and eventually, the Captain’s as well.

As Maria reawakens the household with laughter and melody, the von Trapp family begins to rediscover one another. The children, once regimented and joyless, blossom under her care, and the Captain, long hardened by grief and duty, finds himself drawn to Maria’s vitality and compassion. Their growing affection unfolds tenderly, culminating in a romance that feels both inevitable and hard-won. The family’s transformation is mirrored in the music they create together - joyful, tender, and deeply human. Songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss” become not just musical numbers, but emotional touchstones that chart the family’s journey from isolation to unity.

Yet, as the hills come alive with music, the world beyond their villa darkens. The Anschluss—the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany - casts a chilling shadow over their newfound happiness. When Captain von Trapp is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, he is faced with a moral reckoning. Refusing to serve a regime he cannot support, he and his family must make a harrowing decision: to flee their homeland in search of freedom. Their escape, staged during a public music festival, becomes a moment of breathtaking suspense and quiet heroism, culminating in their flight across the mountains under cover of night.

Premiering on Broadway in 1959, The Sound of Music marked the final collaboration between legendary composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. It remains a cornerstone of American musical theater, cherished for its soaring melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and its enduring message: that love, courage, and the human spirit can triumph even in the darkest of times. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us that music can be both a refuge and a rallying cry.

Cayleigh Capaldi brings a luminous vitality to Maria, infusing the role with a captivating mix of innocence, mischief, and emotional depth. From her first entrance, Capaldi radiates warmth and charisma, embodying the spirited young woman whose heart leads her from the abbey to the hills of Austria. Her Maria is not just charming - she’s refreshingly authentic, with a spark of wit and a tender vulnerability that makes her journey feel deeply personal. Capaldi navigates the character’s emotional terrain with finesse, shifting effortlessly between playful exuberance and introspective grace.

Vocally, she is nothing short of commanding. Her voice glides through the Nederlander Theatre with shimmering clarity and expressive nuance, embracing the full emotional spectrum of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic score. In ensemble numbers like “Do-Re-Mi,” she leads with transmittable energy and precision, while her solo moments—especially the titular “The Sound of Music” - reveal a soul-stirring resonance that lingers long after the final note.

Capaldi doesn’t just play Maria - she inhabits her, offering a performance that is both technically masterful and emotionally alive. It’s a portrayal that anchors the production with heart, humor, and undeniable star power.

Kevin Earley delivers a commanding and emotionally resonant performance as Captain Georg von Trapp, offering a portrayal that evolves with striking depth and humanity. At first glance, Earley embodies the Captain’s military precision and stoic reserve with effortless authority. His posture, tone, and presence reflect a man shaped by discipline and loss—a widower clinging to order in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. Yet beneath that stern exterior, Earley allows glimmers of vulnerability to emerge, setting the stage for a gradual and deeply moving transformation.

As Maria’s influence begins to thaw the Captain’s guarded heart, Earley’s performance shifts with subtlety and grace. His rediscovery of music, paternal warmth, and romantic possibility is portrayed with such sincerity that the emotional payoff feels both earned and profound. In moments of quiet reflection and tender connection - especially with his children and Maria - Earley reveals the soul of a man learning to live and love again.

Together, he and Cayleigh Capaldi share a chemistry that is both grounded and electric. Their dynamic breathes fresh life into this iconic love story, anchoring the production with emotional truth and theatrical finesse. These are not just roles well played - they are characters fully lived, making their journey as stirring as the music that carries it.

Supporting players bring depth, power, and polish to this production of The Sound of Music, with standout performances that elevate the emotional and comedic stakes.

Christiane Noll commands the stage as Mother Abbess, delivering a performance that is both spiritually grounded and vocally transcendent. Her rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” is nothing short of breathtaking - a soaring, soul-stirring anthem that anchors the show’s emotional core. Noll’s presence exudes wisdom and warmth, portraying the Abbess not just as a religious figure, but as a guiding force in Maria’s journey toward self-discovery and love. Her voice, rich and resonant, fills the Nederlander Theatre with a sense of hope and conviction that lingers long after the final note.

Nicholas Rodriguez is pitch-perfect as Max Detweiler, the savvy and socially nimble Third Secretary of Education and Culture. Rodriguez leans into Max’s charm and opportunism with delightful precision, capturing the character’s comic timing and moral ambiguity without ever tipping into caricature. His rapport with the von Trapp family feels genuine, and his scenes crackle with energy—especially as he navigates the shifting political landscape with a mix of wit and self-preservation. Rodriguez’s Max is a man who knows how to play the game but never loses sight of the music that gives life its meaning.

Kate Loprest brings elegance and edge to Elsa Schraeder, the sophisticated socialite poised to become the Captain’s second wife. Loprest’s portrayal is layered - cool and composed on the surface, yet subtly revealing the cracks beneath as Maria’s influence grows. She captures Elsa’s ambition and vulnerability with finesse, making her more than just a foil to Maria. Loprest’s performance adds complexity to the romantic triangle, reminding us that even the “would-be” wife has her own story to tell.

Together, these performers enrich the production with texture, tension, and vocal brilliance - ensuring that The Sound of Music resonates far beyond its central love story.

Ian Coursey (Rolf Gruber) and Ariana Ferch (Liesl von Trapp) in The Sound of Music.

The von Trapp children light up the stage with charm, precision, and musicality, bringing warmth and vitality to every scene they inhabit. From the moment they appear, the young performers captivate with their seamless harmonies, crisp choreography, and infectious energy. Each child brings a distinct personality to their role, yet together they form a cohesive and endearing ensemble that anchors the emotional heart of the production. Their comedic timing and heartfelt interactions with Maria add levity and tenderness, making their scenes some of the most memorable in the show.

Leading the pack is Ariana Ferch as Liesl, the eldest daughter navigating the cusp of adulthood with grace and curiosity. Finch delivers a beautifully layered performance - equal parts youthful exuberance and emerging maturity. Her voice is clear and expressive, and she moves with a dancer’s ease, especially in the show-stopping number “Sixteen Going On Seventeen.” Paired with Ian Coursey as Rolf Gruber, the two share a chemistry that sparkles with innocence and flirtation. Coursey brings a boyish charm and vocal strength to Rolf, and together, their duet becomes a highlight of the evening - playful, romantic, and visually delightful.

This production doesn’t just rely on nostalgia - it reinvigorates the von Trapp children with fresh talent and heartfelt performances, reminding us why their story continues to resonate across generations.

Brilliantly directed by Jack O’Brien, I have nothing but high praise for this wonderful production of The Sound of Music. Broadway in Chicago’s offering is a glorious revival that sings with heart, harmony, and timeless magic! With its grand, meticulously crafted sets, powerhouse vocals, and standout performances across the board, this production of The Sound of Music is nothing short of a theatrical triumph.

Highly Recommended.

The Sound of Music is being performed through November 2^nd at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. For tickets and/or more show information, visit https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows/the-sound-of-music/.

It’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about to marry another man, and he doesn’t know what to do. In an effort to lift him up, his friends do what anyone in their positions should do – insult the competition and highlight all of Beau’s strengths in the process. The effort is spearheaded by Beau’s loveable younger brother, Peanut (Mike Nappi – with an adorably genuine charisma.)

“Best Man Wins” is fast-paced and hilarious - with a tune that just might invite you to dance along in your seats. As Beau sits dejected on a barrel, his friends surround him – each hopping in with an insult about this “other man” that trumps the last. Sarah O’Gleby’s choreography does not disappoint. With talented performers jumping on barrels and racing on beams throughout the farmhouse, there is an impressive feat to witness regardless of where you direct your attention on stage. As Beau becomes consumed in the positivity and joins his friends in the choreography, this particular audience roared with applause – clearly swept up in the journey alongside him.

As you take in the musical as an audience member, you might find that Shucked amazes for a number of reasons. The script is witty, and the love story is the definition of wholesome. However, in my personal opinion, what truly sets this production apart is the talent in the ensemble as a whole. The soloists in particular wow with their vocal capabilities – with Lulu (Miki Abraham), Maizy (Danielle Wade), and Beau (Jake Odmark) standing out in particular. However, every ensemble member exudes a joyful energy that is impossible not to love. This, in my opinion, is so much a part of what makes this production a success.

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED.

With book by Robert Horn and music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McNally, Shucked follows Maizy (Danielle Wade) as she sets out to save Cob County’s dying corn crop – despite her fiancé, Beau’s, wishes. She finds Gordy (Quinn Vanantwerp) in Tampa – a podiatrist she believes can be the hero they need, and one who is more than excited to trick the community into giving him their precious resources as he “heals” their crops. Much as to be expected, nothing quite goes as expected when Maizy brings this new man home. However, as with so many romantic comedies, the true lessons are in the journey, and each of the characters has a little something to learn about how to love those closest to them.

The musical features a catchy score – full of hits that are sure to keep you singing on the way home including “Corn,” “Travelin’ Song,” “OK,” and “Holy Shit.” As much as the high-energy songs wow and amaze, the slower, emotional ballads carry an equal level of wonder – particularly with the voices that perform them. Beau’s rendition of “Somebody Will” elicited cheers that lasted minutes as he completed the solo. The song appears in the middle of the first act, when Beau finds himself stuck – hoping that Maisy will return to him but also unsure if he should forgive her for leaving him in the first place. Odmark’s vibrato soared in this performance, but the grounded, emotional energy he infused into the number truly pushed it over the top.

Directed by Jack O’Brien, Shucked is a classic romantic comedy – with all of the ups and downs that come with it. Romance fans in the audience are sure to find themselves looking away as the central heroes make silly choices and leaning in when they see them get increasingly closer to solidifying the happy ending of which they always dreamed. The script itself is witty, filled with dark, comedic jokes that keep you on your toes as you watch the events unfold. A good portion of the comedy comes from the two narrators at the center – Storyteller 1 (Maya Lagerstam) and Storyteller 2 (Tyler Joseph Ellis). Both performers showcase top-notch comedic timing and judging by the uproars of laughter surrounding me at this performance, I was not the only one who felt this way.

Full of laughter and infectious joy, Shucked is the perfect show for the family as Chicago slides into the colder months.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Shucked runs through January 19, 2025 at the CIBC Theatre – 18 W Monroe Street. See the Broadway in Chicago website for further information regarding tickets.