Director excited to bring beloved "Sound of Music" back to Kincardine Theatre Guild stage

By: Liz Dadson October 18, 2026 73

Director excited to bring beloved "Sound of Music" back to Kincardine Theatre Guild stage

Director Carol Reid of Kincardine is excited to bring the beloved musical, "The Sound of Music," back to the Kincardine Theatre Guild stage, complete with more than 30 cast members, a large crew, and a live band.

While this is not her first time directing in Kincardine or with the theatre guild, it's her debut directing such a big musical with the local troupe.

The show also strikes a chord with her because it was the first one she performed in, 60 years ago, with the Cobourg Opera and Drama Guild. She played Gretl and her father was Uncle Max.

"This story has been a big part of my life," says Reid, "and the message is still the same: anybody can make a small decision to make the world a better place."

Another special part of this show is seeing the many family connections, including Reid's own, with her daughter, Jenn Peters, playing Maria, and her granddaughter, Ellie Peters, playing Marta. There are also Rachel and Lauren Eby, Leslie and Paige Wade, Jaki Mayer-Duggan and Michelle Mayer, and Casey and Lily Martin.

"We had more than 100 people audition," says Reid, "including a lot of kids. The talent was amazing. The gang of kids we have is great."

The group has been in rehearsals since the end of August, gathering three nights per week at the Kincardine Arts Centre auditorium.

Reid gives ample praise to Holly McAdam who is in charge of costumes.

"This show has about 100 costumes, especially for the kids," she says. "The seven von Trapp children have about 54 costumes, including their uniforms, play clothes, and concert clothes. We also have a gaggle of nuns and party guests. Holly has done an amazing job!"

In addition, Reid appreciates the hard work of music director Joy King, assisted by Jaki Mayer-Duggan, and choreographer Kendra Newton, as well as the young people working the sound and lights.

The musical will feature an 11-piece live orchestra located on a newly-built platform beside the sound booth, offering more space than beside the stage or in front it, as in previous shows.

The Kincardine Theatre Guild last staged "The Sound of Music" almost 20 years ago, during the 2006-07 season.

The show is the timeless story of Maria, a spirited young woman whose love of music transforms the lives of the von Trapp family. Set in Austria on the eve of the Second World War, it features Captain von Trapp, played by Alex Peroff, and his seven children, who with Maria's help, discover the strength that comes from love, resilience, and standing together in the face of adversity.

The cast includes seasoned and novice actors, with Liz Coates as Mother Abbess, Cameron Barrie as Franz, Deb Deckert as Frau Schmidt, Malcolm Scott as Rolf, and Michelle Mayer as Elsa.

The seven adorable children, ranging in stage age from five to 16, are Claire Miller, Rowan Kransford, Savannah De Luca, Myles Fraser, Ivy Cruickshank, Ellie Peters and Charlotte Stock.

The 11 lovely-voiced singing nuns are played by Leslie Wade, Rachel Page, Fawn Robinson, Melinda Smegal, Emma Beitz, Lauren Eby, Rachel Eby, Averee Hamann, Lily Martin, Katie Taylor and Paige Wade.

Rounding out this amazing, talented cast are Nathan Beer, Ryan Cossey, Casey Martin, Jared Petrie, Sid Duggan and Dan McGibney.

This cherished classic continues to captivate audiences around the world, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It includes many iconic songs, such as "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favourite Things," "Edelweiss," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."

More than 60 years after its Broadway debut, "The Sound of Music" remains a powerful reminder that kindness, courage, family, and community can help us navigate even the most challenging times. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, its message of hope and perseverance is as meaningful today as ever.

The show opens Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., at the Kincardine Arts Centre, with the following performance schedule:

Evening Performances • 7 p.m.