Sound Of Music
Tempe

The Sound of Music — A Theatrical Legacy That Transcends Generations

The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, with Mary Martin originating the role of Maria. The final collaboration between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II — Hammerstein passed away just nine months after opening night — the musical won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for 1,443 performances. Based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the show tells the story of a free-spirited postulant who becomes governess to seven children, falls in love with their widowed father, and ultimately helps the family escape Nazi-occupied Austria through the mountains to Switzerland.

The 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer transformed The Sound of Music into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and became the highest-grossing film of its era. Songs like "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," "So Long, Farewell," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" entered the permanent fabric of popular culture, recognized instantly by audiences who may never have set foot in a theater. The film's success cemented The Sound of Music as perhaps the most universally known musical in history, ensuring that every new stage production draws audiences ranging from devoted theater lovers to first-time attendees experiencing the story for the very first time.

This national touring production, directed by Jack O'Brien, represents the latest chapter in the show's remarkable stage history. O'Brien, a three-time Tony Award winner whose credits include Hairspray, The Full Monty, and Tom Stoppard's The Coast of Utopia, previously directed a celebrated national tour of The Sound of Music and brings a deep understanding of the material to this new production. His staging balances the warmth and humor of the early scenes with the mounting tension of the family's escape, and choreographer Danny Mefford creates dynamic movement that brings the children's musical numbers to vibrant life. The production's scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt evokes the Austrian Alps with elegant simplicity, while Natasha Katz's lighting design bathes the stage in colors that shift from the golden warmth of the abbey to the icy blues of the family's flight to freedom.

The tour's extensive itinerary has taken the production to more than 55 cities across North America, including engagements at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, and the Hobby Center in Houston. The June 2027 stop at ASU Gammage in Tempe marks one of the tour's Arizona highlights, bringing this beloved classic to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed auditorium on the Arizona State University campus. Other confirmed 2027 tour stops include Baltimore, Birmingham, Miami, New Orleans, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Worth, Portland, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.

What continues to set The Sound of Music apart from other classic musicals is its remarkable ability to speak to audiences of every age and background. The story's themes — finding your voice, choosing courage over fear, protecting the people you love — are as urgent today as they were in 1959. The Rodgers and Hammerstein score remains one of the finest ever composed for the stage, with melodies so perfectly crafted that they feel less like songs and more like expressions of universal human emotion. For families in the greater Phoenix area, the ASU Gammage engagement offers a rare chance to share this legacy with the next generation in a world-class venue.

How to Buy Sound of Music Tempe Tickets

Where can I buy The Sound of Music tickets for ASU Gammage?

Tickets may be available through the ASU Gammage box office, Ticketmaster, and the official Sound of Music tour website. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and over 20 years of industry experience.

When does The Sound of Music play at ASU Gammage?

The Sound of Music is scheduled for June 22 through 27, 2027, at ASU Gammage in Tempe, Arizona. The engagement includes evening performances and weekend matinees across the six-day run. Check the ASU Gammage website for specific showtimes and any schedule updates as the date approaches.

What should I know about ASU Gammage as a venue?

ASU Gammage is located at 1200 S. Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the auditorium seats approximately 3,000 guests and is known for its exceptional acoustics and distinctive circular architecture. Parking is available in nearby ASU lots, and the venue is easily accessible from the Loop 101 and US-60 freeways. Rideshare drop-off is convenient at the main entrance.

Are resale tickets for The Sound of Music safe to purchase?

Yes — reputable resale platforms like BigStub verify all sellers and guarantee every transaction. BigStub maintains the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry, with over two decades of experience connecting buyers with authentic, verified tickets. Their dedicated customer service team is available throughout the purchasing process and right up to event day.

Is The Sound of Music suitable for young children?

The Sound of Music is widely considered one of the most family-friendly musicals ever produced. The show is appropriate for all ages, though very young children may find the two-and-a-half-hour runtime (with intermission) challenging. The engaging children's numbers and the warmth of the story make it an ideal introduction to live theater for younger audience members.

What if my plans change and I cannot attend?

If you are unable to attend, you may be able to resell your tickets through authorized resale marketplaces. Many platforms allow ticket holders to list verified tickets for events they can no longer attend, providing other fans an opportunity to purchase seats. Review the terms of your original purchase for any transfer or resale restrictions.

The Sound of Music Tempe — Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sound of Music about?

The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria, a free-spirited young postulant who leaves the abbey to become governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp. Through music and compassion, she transforms the household and falls in love with the Captain, ultimately helping the family escape Nazi-occupied Austria by crossing the Alps into Switzerland.

How long is The Sound of Music performance?

The national touring production of The Sound of Music runs approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. Running times may vary slightly by venue.

Who stars in the national tour of The Sound of Music?

The touring cast is led by Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria, Kevin Earley as Captain von Trapp, Tony nominee Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Nicholas Rodriguez as Max Detweiler, and Kate Loprest as Elsa Schraeder. The production also features a talented ensemble of child performers as the von Trapp children.

Who directed this production of The Sound of Music?

The national tour is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, whose Broadway credits include Hairspray and The Coast of Utopia. Choreography is by Danny Mefford, with scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt and musical supervision by Andy Einhorn.

What songs are performed in The Sound of Music?

The Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes beloved songs such as My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd, So Long Farewell, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Edelweiss, and the iconic title number The Sound of Music.

Is The Sound of Music appropriate for children?

Yes, The Sound of Music is one of the most family-friendly musicals in the repertoire. The show is suitable for all ages, though the second act includes themes related to the von Trapp family's escape from Austria during the Nazi annexation. Very young children may find the full running time challenging.

Where is ASU Gammage located?

ASU Gammage is located at 1200 S. Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona. The venue is accessible from the Loop 101 and US-60 freeways, with parking available in nearby university lots.

Who designed ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his final projects. Completed in 1964, the auditorium features Wright's signature organic architecture with its distinctive circular design, sweeping concrete forms, and expansive glass walls that flood the interior with natural light.

How many cities is The Sound of Music tour visiting?

The national tour is visiting more than 55 cities across North America, with engagements at major venues including The Kennedy Center, the Segerstrom Center, the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and ASU Gammage in Tempe. The tour launched at The Kennedy Center in September 2025 and continues through 2027.

Can I purchase group tickets for The Sound of Music at ASU Gammage?

Group ticket options are typically available through the ASU Gammage box office for parties of 10 or more. Contact the venue directly for group rates, availability, and any special packages offered for the engagement.

What parking options are available at ASU Gammage?

Several parking lots surround the ASU Gammage venue on the Arizona State University campus. Paid parking is available in nearby structures, and rideshare drop-off is convenient at the main entrance on Forest Avenue. Arriving early is recommended to allow time for parking, especially for weekend performances.

Is this the same production as the previous Sound of Music tour?

This production reunites director Jack O'Brien and choreographer Danny Mefford, who previously collaborated on an earlier national tour of The Sound of Music. While the creative vision carries through, this staging features a new cast, refreshed design elements, and updated production values that bring a contemporary energy to the timeless classic.