BLUEFIELD, Va. (WVVA) -The Sound of Music tells the true story of a nun-in-training who falls in love with a naval officer on cusp of World War Two.

“…Captain von Trapp is a captain from the Austrian Navy. He brings Maria to be a governess for these seven children because their mother has died, and they fall in love against the backdrop of this political upheaval that’s happening in Austria with the Nazis coming in,” says Charles Reese, the artistic director for Bluefield Youth Theater and Bluefield University Theater.

Maria brings music to the Von Trapp household, teaching the kids to become singers. Reese says he had been requested many times to hold this play, but waited until he could find the singing talent required to tell this story well.

“I grew up watching the sound of music. It was actually the first musical I ever watched. And, a little bit of a funny story, as soon as I watched it the first time, I said, ‘I want to be Maria one day…” says Laura Horton, who is playing Maria.

Horton says she shares many similarities with the character she plays, including a fondness for the mountains, for music, and for the kids she sings with.

“I come out of practice every day grinning and unable to stop being just overflowed with enjoyment. The cast is phenomenal, and I love playing with every one of them. And, to have wanted to play this role for so long, to already know all the music and, you know, know half the lines already… it’s been a dream come true. I’ve been begging to do this show for years…” says Horton.

Horton encourages people to come see for themselves how people can change thanks to the power of music.

“It’s about music, and children, and loving life and laughter. So what’s not to want to come out and see?” says Horton.

If you would like to see this play for yourself, it will be held from February 22nd to February 26th. You can get more information and tickets here.

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