Liberty University Theatre Arts Ends 2024-2025 Season With “The Sound of Music”

The hills are alive with the Liberty University Department of Theatre Arts’ production of “The Sound of Music.” The department said “So Long, Farewell” to its 2024-2025 season in the Tower Theater with this beloved show that started its run April 11. 

Director Chris Nelson led the cast in its production of the well-known musical. With captivating nun symphonies and lighthearted harmonies led by Lily Smith, the actress who played Maria Rainer, the audience is transported to the world of war-threatened Austria. 

“Some stories hold their indispensable nature over time, and, like rereading scripture, a reengagement can ignite new meaning and inspiration,” Nelson explained in his director’s note. 

A live orchestra and musicians created an immersive experience alongside the actors.  

The set also showcased the beauty of the Austrian mountains with brightly painted landscapes and cool-toned backgrounds for the stone walls of the abbey and Captain Von Trapp’s estate. 

The addition of the warm and rosy tinted period-style clothing immersed the audience into the hopeful and loving worldview of the whimsical Maria.  

However, the creation of this world wasn’t easy. Smith explained some of the challenges she faced when preparing for the role. 

“It just took a lot of relinquishing expectations to allow myself to have the freedom to bring (Maria) to life,” Smith said. “… It’s scary doing a role this big. It’s a huge responsibility, and it’s very, very time consuming.” 

Smith said the character of Maria is one of her favorite women in history because of her strong-willed personality and commitment to the faith.   

“The reason I love Maria so much is because she’s not physically overpowering anybody,” Smith said. “The reason she is so strong, and the reason she changed Captain Von Trapp’s life and the children’s lives, is because of her kindness and her joy and her energy and her faith.” 

The cast looked to honor the source material as closely as possible, using Austrian and German accents, yodeling and researching their respective characters to best represent the world they were to display.  

“Our actors have really taken on the challenge of bringing these roles to life on stage,” Nelson said. “Our academic productions are classes, so the theories and techniques discussed throughout their education are applied, and I love seeing them make those connections. They see firsthand the power of preparation and having an artistic process that leads to truth.” 

However, Smith said some creative freedom was allowed. Smith explained that in diving into the original story, she began to realize more about the friendships between certain characters, leading to interpretations never before seen on stage, specifically incorporating biblical elements. 

“I see so many biblical parallels in the story,” Nelson said. “I see redemption and adoption. I see goodness in the midst of trying times, times of evil. The story really encapsulates so much of the human condition and gives some glorious glimpses into how God works.”  

The story of “The Sound of Music” is deeply rooted in real historical events. Although some of the truth has been slightly skewed over time to add more drama — such as the Von Trapps retreating through the mountains rather than by train — it still serves as a witness to the hope found in trusting God and letting your faith be a witness to those around you. 

“The Sound of Music” will hold performances from April 11-27. For information on tickets and show times, visit www.liberty.edu/arts/theatre/tickets. 

McKinnon is the off-campus news editor for the Liberty Champion.