It is with amazement that the audience watches performances at the Academy of Music, when stages transform into centuries old kingdoms, Sondheim-esque revues, and the hills of Salzburg. In the touring production of The Sound of Music, a diverse new cast and a charming interpretation transformed the grand theatre into a journey back to the 40s with the ever-endearing von Trapp family.

The revival of this classic Rogers & Hammerstein comes long awaited, with its last Broadway production dating back to 1998. The timeless tale of Maria Rainer’s journey as a nun, to a governess, to a mother, was enchanting last Saturday evening, with a distinguished cast whose collective force was a buoyant and successful effort.

In the role made famous by Broadway and film legends Mary Martin and Julie Andrews was richly brought back to beguiling life by the charmingly sweet yet strong Kerstin Anderson, whose billowing voice floated with ease in songs such as “Do-Re-Mi”, and provided force in others such as the titular open, “The Sound of Music”. Her amusing version of the nun-to-be was played with a sort of coming-of-age truth that proved as both a source of comic relief as well as immense sympathy. Ben Davis, who portrayed the stern yet sensitive Captain von Trapp, was clearly properly trained, displaying his previous operatic skills with expert display in the timeless “Edelweiss”.

All of the children proved equally of talent, with Liesl being an obvious standout in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, acting as an innocent girl wronged by the harsh realities of war, and an interim mother for her six younger siblings. As a unit, the von Trapp clan was composed and synchronized, however this served to make them seem a bit mechanical.

Every set change, technical shift, and modification seemed effortless, transporting the audience through each stage in Maria’s journey with particular ease and sophistication, which would of course be expected in such a professional production. A minor issue at times was the mikes, which once or twice fluttered on and off. However, problems like these were quickly ameliorated by a performance that was wholly grandiose and spectacular.

Recent productions at the Academy of Music have been acclaimed, and it seems incredibly apparent why; with dazzling shows such as The Sound of Music, there is only hope that more will come Philly’s way.