Annandale Kids Shine in Fairfax Production of The Sound of Music

Four Annandale residents between the ages of 10 and 14 are performing in the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s production of The Sound of Music. The local production runs through this Sunday at Lanier Middle School in Fairfax.

Members of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company (CFCT) chose two casts of von Trapp children for the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. The casts were identified by predominant hair color. The blonde cast (including Annandale’s Zein Kanam and Meghan Mack) performed during opening weekend. The red-headed cast (including Annandale’s Jacob Lamb) will perform this weekend. Members of the theater company chose two casts of children to accomplish one of the company’s goals: to provide acting and educational opportunities for actors of all ages.

“The auditions for this production attracted vibrant, new talent along with families we have worked with for a few years,” said CFCT community liaison and volunteer coordinator Shannon Daniels. “The product is amazing to see, as the professional and amateur lines faded at the first rehearsal. The collaboration is magical among cast members who are comprised of siblings, parents, and new friendships. We are proud of the kids and our work.”

The musical, set in Austria just before World War II, follows Maria on a life-changing journey from a convent to governess for widower Captain von Trapp. She falls in love with her seven charges and soon realizes she shares similar feelings for their father. What ensues is a fun-filled romp through the hills of Switzerland as Maria develops an incredible bond with the von Trapp children. The play includes more serious undertones of prejudice and explores both the terror and tragedy of war.

“It’s an awesome musical with funny dialogue but a serious meaning,” said 12-year-old Jacob Lamb. “The songs will get stuck in your head. Come see it!”

Jacob who plays Kurt von Trapp, said he loves being with the cast, wearing five different costumes and running the songs. He became involved in the CFCT when he auditioned for the Youth Ensemble in Little Women last fall.

Fourteen-year-old Meghan Mack, also from Annandale, played Louisa Von Trapp for the first weekend and is currently attending the Broadway Artists Alliance summer camp in New York. “I found out about the Sound of Music auditions through a family friend who was also auditioning for the show,” said Mack. “I met so many new people that I have become great friends with.”

The camaraderie among cast members is infectious. Adam Ashley said he loved making new friends in The Sound of Music cast. The 10-year-old has also enjoyed learning the music and performing on stage. Adam is playing an orphan in all six shows. His mother Allyson said, “To know Adam is to know he loves singing and acting and musical theater is by far his favorite.”

Annandale resident Zein Karam played Laurie in the fall production of Little Women. The 11-year-old said he enjoys playing Friedrich von Trapp because he gets to live the life of a different person. “While I’m a student now, I hope to become a full time actor,” he said. “I would say this musical is such a classic that everybody loves and is definitely not to be missed.” 

The Sound of Music; Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Rd. Fairfax, VA; Friday, July 29 – Saturday, July 30, 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 31, 2 p.m.; $8 online and $12 at the door. Click here to buy tickets.