Surely you have at least heard The Sound of Music, whether it was on the big screen, a high school production, or from someone singing the classic notes of "yodel eh he hooo!" on the street. And you probably think it was the best thing ever, and NOTHING could beat out the (insert favorite version here). But you are quite wrong. The Sound of Music on Tour is well-paced, well-acted, well...clothed. With, of course, phenomenal singing. We were stunned at the opening song, moved to goosebumps and shivers (and not because it was cold). It only went up from there.

Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer. Photo by Matthew Murphy

Here's Why You Need to See Sound of Music on Tour:

• It's better than the movie (sorry, Julie Andrews. WE LOVE YOU!). There was no moment when we weren't engulfed by the story. 

• The staging was incredible. We especially thought the storm scene was very clever and well done. From little touches (a goat! a pillow accordion! the most heinous curtains ever!) to how the kids got used to the thunder through the care and nurturing of Maria, this was the moment you realized they were a family.

• You grew to love the kids as they turned from brats to lovable children (and that little one - SO CUTE!). Each actor personified their character quite well. In fact, all of the actors were well cast - what an extraordinary singing crew!

Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer and the von Trapp children. Photo by Matthew Murphy 

• One particular scene stands out - the beautiful night sky at the end of the musical. While the entire set design was gorgeous (loved the lace motif throughout), this stood out to us and immediately had us in awe at both the art and the scene - the magnificent town and the glowing, homey lights showed us how hard it was to give up their home, and forge a new path.

• The familiar songs we know and cherish were given new life. Half the audience was singing along - we couldn't blame them. 

Jake Mills as Max, Mike McLean as Captain von Trapp, and Melissa McKamie as Elsa. Photo by Matthew Murphy

• As the gentleman sitting next to me remarked (one of his many, many wise utterances during the show that ONLY made it better for us) at the end of the first act, "stupendous! Wow! Amazing! Beautiful! We can go home now."

Indeed. Glad we all stayed for the second act. 

Learn more:
Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium - playing here through February 11, 2018 

Sound of Music on Tour 

Keslie Ward as Liesl and Chad P. Campbell as Rolf. Photo by Matthew Murphy