Maria
The Apex Theatre
24th April 2025

MARIA

In a world caught between duty and freedom, one young woman’s spirit sets a family—and a heart—free.

High in the rolling hills, Maria finds joy in the simple act of singing to the skies. But her carefree moment is cut short when she realizes she’s late returning to the abbey. Meanwhile, the nuns, mid-prayer, can't help but wonder—how do you solve a problem like Maria? With love and a touch of comic concern, they send her on a new path: to care for the seven children of the stern and disciplined Captain von Trapp.

As Maria approaches the grand von Trapp estate, excitement swells in a solo dance that brims with wonder. But her arrival is met with rules and rigidity. While the Captain maintains order, Maria sees children who need laughter, not lines. Slowly, she wins their hearts with warmth, music, and play.

An unexpected bond begins to blossom between Maria and the Captain during a tender duet—a stolen glance, a silent question—but he retreats behind his rules. Still, Maria’s influence grows. One stormy night, frightened little Gretl seeks comfort, sparking a joyful pyjama-clad rendition of My Favourite Things, turning fear into laughter and dreams.

Haunted by his own choices, the Captain delivers a soul-searching solo, confronting the walls he’s built. Inspired by Maria’s puppet show—where she and the children bring playful magic to life—he joins in, rediscovering joy and allowing love to surface. A romantic duet cements the feelings long buried between Maria and the Captain.

But as love blooms, danger looms. The shadow of the Nazi regime threatens the family's peace. In a tense standoff, Maria and the Captain hold fast, refusing to bend to fear. A daring plan takes them to the abbey, where allies open a path to freedom.

Their escape into the hills becomes a triumphant symbol of hope. The show closes on a jubilant reprise of Do-Re-Mi, a celebration of courage, unity, and the enduring power of music.