Few musicals capture the hearts of audiences quite like The Sound of Music. From the breathtaking peaks of the Austrian Alps to the warm, historic charm of the von Trapp family villa, this beloved classic relies on iconic imagery to transport theatergoers into Maria’s world.
Whether you are staging an ambitious community theater production or a school performance, the right backdrop is essential to recreating the magic of Salzburg. Join us as we explore how the perfect scenic design can bring the hills and the von Trapp family’s journey to life on your stage.
The Story of the VonTrapp Family
The Story of the VonTrapp Family The Sound of Music chronicles the life of Maria, a high-spirited nun who questions her calling as she becomes the governess of seven equally spirited children of retired naval officer, Austrian Captain von Trapp. The storyline opens in Salzburg, Austria, at Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria struggles with the strict life of convent living. Mother Abbess recognizes her struggles and assigns Maria to temporarily assist the Captain and his family after the loss of his wife and their mother.
While Maria finds the children devilish and mischievous with the pranks they play on her, she also comes to love the seven unique children. What she finds unacceptable is the Captain’s militaristic manner in running his household and his children. In response, Maria teaches the children to sing, play music and enjoy childish games.
As the musical progresses, Maria develops affections not only for the motley crew of children but also for their father, who is courting the wealthy Baroness Elsa Schraeder. Frightened of her feelings for the Captain and the realization that he seems to return them, Maria returns to the abbey.
Encouraged by the Mother Superior, Maria returns to the family, where the Captain calls off his relationship with the Baroness and asks Maria to marry him.
During their honeymoon, the Captain and Maria return to an Austria being annexed by Nazi Germany, prompting them to secretly flee the country due to the Captain’s refusal to accept a naval commission under the Third Reich. After being intercepted by Nazi officials, the family uses a performance at the Salzburg music festival as a clever distraction to escape their captors. With the help of a nearby abbey, they successfully evade the Nazis and hike over the Alps into Switzerland to secure their freedom.
Theatrical Backdrop Scenes for The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music spans several unique settings, including the abbey where Maria lives, the von Trapp family home, and the Austrian Alps. Here are just a few of the over forty backdrops offered by Charles H. Stewart.
The Nonnberg Abbey
The Benedictine Convent where Maria began her vocation as a nun was Nonnberg Abbey. Here are several options for setting the stage for these scenes.
This Church Interior Backdrop features a stone church interior showing stained glass windows, stone columns and arches.
This Church Interior Backdrop features a stone cathedral interior, with an altar and large, ornate windows.
This Garden of the Abbey Backdrop shows a convent on the left and a church on the right with a pathway in between and distant mountains.
The von Trapp Family Villa
The home of the retired submarine Captain was known as the von Trapp family villa in Salzburg, Austria. Here are several options for setting the stage for these scenes in The Sound of Music.
This Drawing Room Backdrop features a Victorian interior with a center fireplace and two large windows.
This Garden Backdrop features a stone staircase in the garden with ballustrades and a large urn.
The Austrian Alps
When the von Trapp family flees Nazi-controlled Germany, they do so by escaping through the mountainous region. These backdrops are ideal for these culminating scenes.
This Mountain Landscape Backdrop depicts a snow-covered mountain region against a blue sky with clouds.
This Mountainside Backdrop features an Austrian hillside with the Alps, a cabin, and a stone wall.
Ready to set the stage for your next theatrical masterpiece? From classic musicals to modern hits, our extensive collection of high-quality backdrops brings your vision to life. Visit our backdrop suggestions pages at Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart today to explore our full range of options and find the perfect scenic elements for your upcoming production.
