Byham Theater is Alive with 'The Sound of Music' This Weekend

The Byham Theater is alive with “The Sound of Music” this weekend with the Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the beloved classic for fans of all ages.

You might be hard pressed to find someone on the earth that hasn’t seen “The Sound of Music” or know the iconic songs word for word. The show has spanned multiple generations and still held as one of the most beloved classics of all time.

“It’s the story about the creation of a family and they have lots of trials and struggles and happy times,” said Lara Hayhurst, who plays Maria. “It’s about a woman who falls in love with seven children and in turn falls in love with their father. I think it’s really cool that it talks about how families come in all shapes and sizes."

“The Sound of Music” follows the story of Maria, a young and aspiring quirky nun who falls in love with the Von Trapp children and eventually the children’s stern and lonely father. Originally written by the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein, “The Sound of Music” features well-known songs such as “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” But who could truly forget the title number?

Certainly not Hayhurst.

“I like the title number,” said Hayhurst. “Everyone knows the main part of the song, but there’s a beautiful little verse at the beginning and it talks about how she knows she should go home and the beauty is whispering for her to stay. It’s a lovely, beautiful moment and then it explodes to the parts we know. “

For Hayhurst, the title number is more than just words to a song or a chance to shine on the stage alone. It’s the set and how she performs the song that she loves the most.

“It’s just a beautiful, grand view from the top of our set and it’s easy for me to imagine being this tiny person on the top of this huge mountain,” said Hayhurst. “I’m a big lover of nature so it makes my heart happy to pretend to be there. Also, just singing that amazing song—who wouldn’t love that!”

In addition to Hayhurst, the show features many Pittsburgh Musical Theater alumni, as well as numerous local children. It’s a chance for the fresh, young talent of our city to really shine on the stage.  

“I can feel it in my bones this is going to be a really sweet and special show that will make a lot of people happy,” said Hayhurst. “There are 14 amazing local kids and it would be a shame not to see and support them. It’s a beautiful story and we’re really excited to tell it. Just WAIT ‘til you see these kids! They are sweet and funny and charming and smart. They push me to be a better performer, for sure. It’s so fun to see their individual characters and by the end of the song, when we’re all warmed to each other and singing together, it’s a great feeling.”

“The Sound of Music” runs each weekend through Feb. 3. Tickets are priced at $12.25 to $46.25. If you act quickly, you can grab discounted tickets at Travel Zoo for as low as $12.   

“This show is big and beautiful,” said Hayhurst. “We have nuns that sound like an angel choir, kids who will blow you away and a cast of seasoned vets and eager newcomers that will delight you. This show is a timeless classic, but we’re putting a fresh, young, sweet spin on the storytelling. If you’ve always loved ‘The Sound of Music,’ come see this show! It’s everything you’ve known and loved and more. If you’ve always hated ‘The Sound of Music’ come see this show! It’s fresh and new and I think you’ll love it. I know I do!”

For more information, visit www.trustarts.org.