THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Q‘ AB SO LUTELY GO R GE OU S TO WATCH ’ A&

A Q A Q&A &A with Chr Christ istopher opher Kale Kale Jones, who playsplays Cap Capt a t ain von Trapp in t h t he Paramounte Paramount The Theatre’s atre’s “The “The S o S ound und of of Music” Music”

By Chris Walker Photos provided by the Paramount Theatre, preview photos of Maria taken by Amy Nelson Photography

Christopher Kale Jones was just on the Paramount stage this spring with his group “Under the Streetlamp,” which plays classic hits. You may have also seen him playing Frankie Valli in the national tour of “Jersey Boys.” Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with the talented performer, who has returned this winter to play Captain Georg von Trapp in the holiday classic “The Sound of Music.”  KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: What’s it like playing Captain von Trapp?

CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES: The captain starts the play recovering from the loss of his wife and trying to run a household the best way he knows how as a retired military captain. He treats his children like little soldiers until Maria brings music and, of course, joy and laughter into his home. Given that this particular piece of theater takes place during the rise of the Nazi party prior to WWII, it’s also gratifying to play a character who was on the right side of history, standing up to a despotic dictatorship, even at the cost of his livelihood and perhaps even the safety of himself and those he loves. It is also an incredibly lush classic love story, which I think Paramount’s patrons will enjoy very much.

 KC: What makes this particular show unique?

CKJ: The scope of what the Paramount Theatre is able to do in a nearly 1,900-seat house with its sprawling proscenium theater is going to set this production apart. It is going to be absolutely gorgeous to watch. Additionally, we have the privilege of performing with a 17-piece orchestra, which is almost unheard of in regional theater and will result in these classic songs sounding better than you may have ever heard them live. Also, I think every piece of theater is affected by the time in which it’s performed, which I hope will allow audiences to hear this story in a fresh and different light.

 KC: What is the family appeal to “The Sound of Music”? ComingSoon! CrystalLake

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CKJ: Well, first and foremost, the show is about a family, and we have some of the most talented young performers in the city appearing as the children in the Von Trapp family. Also, the music of the show is universal, having woven its way into the cultural consciousness as well as the fabric of the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear “My Favorite Things” or “The Sound of Music” or “Edelweiss” around the holidays? Lastly, although the stakes are heightened, I think the issues the family faces have universal appeal: What does a family do when its beliefs are threatened by the society they live in? How important are the arts and fun in family dynamics versus organization and discipline? Can one family make a difference?

 KC: What message would you hope theatergoers take away from this show? CKJ: With the invasion and possible annexation of parts of the Ukraine by Russia, with the current tension between the Democratic and Republican parties (no matter which side of the aisle you are on) in our own country, and with the recent wealth gap that was brought into stark visibility during the pandemic … I think it’s the perfect time to put on a musical that asks the questions: When is the right time to stand up for what you believe in? Is the health of a family based on your bank account, or the love and music that you share? Can (or should) we try to love each other for what we have in common while holding space for what we disagree on? What part do the arts play in political and cultural conversations? But I hope most that audiences leave having enjoyed some of their favorite music and perhaps holding each other a little closer during our cold Chicago winters!

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” IS PLAYING NOW THROUGH JAN. 14, 2023!