Directed by Choir and Drama Teacher, Susan Ainley, Fresno Christian drama students will be putting on a rendition of the popular musical, “The Sound of Music”. With students preparing to showcase this astonishing piece, months of preparation and practice go into putting together a perfect mix of humor, creativity and entertainment. This musical will require a variety of students and talents. Ainley dedicates her time to finding a place for all by picking a show that best matches the traits of a select group. 

“I chose this musical because we have such strong singers and actors, and I’ve never done this show,” Ainley said. “It’s much bigger in every way than any other show I’ve done recently, but everyone is rehearsing so well that I am confident that we will give a great performance.”

Austria 1938, amidst battling Germany in a fight to keep independence, a young woman named Maria falls in love with Captain Von Trapp while serving as a governess to his seven children. A story filled with trials, decisions and astounding music shows the slow return of joy in the chaos of life for a large family missing a significant parental figure. A young woman steps into what seems to be a simple job, but much more emotion lies beneath the surface of this position as she fills the empty spaces of this family. 

Many who have seen the 1965 musical love this story, which brings light to a dark situation with whimsical songs and romance. Main Characters Maria Rainer and Captain Von Trapp are to be played by Senior Maggie Phanco and Junior Caleb Tuck. Being a bold and creative actor, Tuck was chosen to embody a character with a substantial role in the plot of the musical and portray him for a larger audience.

“I think this is going to be one of the biggest musicals we as a school have ever done, and I think as a musical itself, it is clean, heart-warming and fun for those who have seen it, and intriguing for those who have not,” Tuck said. “Ultimately, I think the role of Captain Von Trapp is a wonderful challenge to my performance career, and I can’t wait to display on stage for FCS!” 

K’lanna McArn, ‘26, is set to play the eldest daughter of the Von Trapp family, Leisl. This character has a lot of responsibility as the oldest daughter, facing the challenges of growing up. McArn took this as a challenge to give the audience a great performance. 

“I love my character, Leisl. She’s very curious about love and she’s the oldest of the kids,” McArn said. “I am so excited and happy that Mrs. Ainley chose to do the show because it is something everybody knows and loves. The kids and joy in this musical are something I don’t think I’ll ever forget!”

The Cast List includes:

Maria: Maggie Phanco

Captain Von Trapp: Caleb Tuck

Mother Abbess: Bella Hess

Sister Sophia: Emma Wisely

Sister Berthe: Ava Moukhtarian

Sister Margaretta: Brooke Cox

Max: Jeremy Reimer

Elsa: Jane Cox

Franz: Joshua Schwandt

Frau Schmidt: Addison Stoick

Rolf: Matthew Tacchino

Liesl: K’lanna McArn

Louisa: Lillian Gainer

Friedrich: Kassel Lewison

Brigitta: Brooklyn Tweedy

Kurt: Austen Kerr (5th grade)

Marta: Alexis Apuy (6th grade)

Gretl: Violet Davis and Kendal Graves (2nd grade)

The Drama Program will be showcasing this play May 1-4 at Redemption Bible Church. Times are to be determined. Come support your Fresno Christian Drama Program and experience the performance of a lifetime! To read more from The Feather, visit Fires engulf Los Angeles area leaving thousands displaced or 2025 Pagmeter Showcase brings together local talent