Remarkable singing and talented acting easily defined the traveling cast of “The Sound of Music.”

The musical, performed Sunday at Stephens Auditorium, was a joy to watch and brought back memories of the cast of the 1965 movie.

Each actor clearly portrayed his or her enjoyment for the musical and for each other.

Maria, played by Lindsay Northen, did an outstanding job of developing her character and showing her love for the von Trapp family and the Captain. When the family sang “The Sound of Music,” Maria made the family come together and show their love for one another.

Northen is an amazing actress with a strong voice that filled the auditorium. Her enthusiasm was high from scene to scene as she matured from a young, confused girl to a responsible, loving mother and wife. Her experience as an actress and singer was obvious as she easily stole the show throughout the musical.

Captain von Trapp, played by Jim Ballard, was another very impressive actor in the show. He convinced the audience of his stern, unloving personality when he first appeared onstage. His strict orders and disciplined manner were well portrayed and fun to watch. Ballard did an excellent job of changing from this character into a warm and loving father. He is a powerful singer, always adding feeling to his songs.

As the musical continued, each of the seven children seemed to fall more into character by the moment.

The young actors were professional and talented. Stephanie Newland, who played Gretl, is only a student at a school of musical theatre, but her singing and acting seemed far beyond that. With only a small speaking part, Newland captivated the audience.

Her part in “So Long, Farewell” proved her confidence in her singing. She was great to watch, always observing the other children and making sure she was doing her part.

Liesl, the oldest of the seven children, was most impressive. Melanie Erazmus, a recent Southern Illinois University graduate, did an outstanding job of developing into this character. She easily convinced the audience of her maturity and the way she cares for the children and the captain. She kept her character strong and consistent from beginning to end. Her duet in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was energized and great to listen to.

When discussing “The Sound of Music,” comedy is never something that comes to mind. But Tom Zainea, who played Max Detweiler, brought a number of great laughs to the show. His lighthearted character and funny lines added to the musical.

He easily fit his role, proving to the audience how much he was enjoying himself. His relationship with the captain and the children were convincing and fun to watch. He kept sprits high and made the audience laugh out loud over and over.

Great music is very crucial to any musical and this performance was no exception. Each singer did his job and made every song unique and wonderful to listen to.

The songs wouldn’t be what they were without the people behind the music. The musicians were always on cue and made the songs stand out. Every instrument from the piano to the cello added to each piece and were played perfectly.

This performance of “The Sound of Music” was very impressive and well performed. The relationships between the characters seemed real and the audience could feel the love, the anger and the fear. The actors seemed to really enjoy their characters.

Even though this musical has been seen over and over, this cast is a good example of why “The Sound of Music” has been loved so much for generations.