Scene Notes

The Hills Are Alive!

Posted on 12/11/2017

Broadway

The Sound of Music has become a classic in the musical theater cannon over the years and will be at The State for four shows December 22-24. Here are some fun facts about the story that you may not have known:

THE HILLS

• “The Hills” mentioned in The Sound of Music are a part of a large mountain system in south-central Europe called The Alps. The Eastern Alps make up much of the landscape in Austria.
   
• In The Sound of Music, the hills have great meaning for many of the characters. They symbolize home, safety, and inspiration. Maria and the Mother Abbess grew up in the hills. Maria loves to hike in them because they make her heart sing. For the Captain, they represent protection. 

Facts about Austria

• The Sound of Music takes place in the fictionalized town Kaltzburg, a city in western Austria. Nonnberg Abbey is located here.
   
• The official language is German.
   
• Salzburg was referred to as “the Rome of the North” because of its Catholic population.
   
• Austria is a mountainous country of central Europe.
   
• Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria. It was the home of classical music composers Beethoven, Brahms, Hayden, Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss.