Last Chance to Catch "The Sound of Music" at the Ahmanson Theatre thru Oct. 31. A Stunning Presentation to Lift Your Spirits!

Appearing in The Sound of Music, currently at the Ahmanson Theatre through October 31, is a dream come true for actors, Paige Silvester and Dan Tracy, who play the two young lovers, Leisl and Rolf.

Paige and Dan not only revel in the glory of co-starring in this classic, ageless masterpiece, but are privileged to be traveling the country together as a romantic couple. And now you’re privy to this real life love story.

Dan met his onstage and offstage paramour, Paige, six years ago, while studying musical theatre at the University of Michigan. He’s delighted to be spending such precious time with his “best friend” and relishes singing ”Sixteen Going on Seventeen” with his sweetheart.

Paige is equally smitten. “I’ve seen how hard Dan works at what he does. To watch him succeed and get the opportunity to do what he loves is really exciting and fulfilling. Sharing that is incredibly special…to tour and see new places with your best friend…there’s nothing better than that.”

Dan’s passion for musical theatre became evident at the early age of five after seeing the movie, Mary Poppins, and coming home with the music and lyrics memorized. He’s honored to be part of the touring troupe’s “gifted cast and crew, brilliant designers, and acclaimed talent.”

The children, ages 7 to 13, are “consummate professionals, memorized on the first day of rehearsal,” conveys Dan. He’s enjoyed watching them “become alive every day.” He describes Kerstin Anderson, (Maria) as “so mature, one of the strongest in the company, a breath of fresh air.”

Dan is proud to share the stage with “seasoned professionals,” i.e. Max and Elsa, played by Merwin Foard and Teri Hansen respectively. He’s in awe of the beautiful design, choreography, visual elements, and gives kudos to the skilled director, Jack O’Brien.

According to Dan, The Sound of Music is “ultimately about what true love means,” with the message, “if you’re supposed to be together nothing can stop you from being together.”

He identifies with the role of Rolf and how “people treat you in certain ways because of your beliefs.” Dan explains, “It’s important to humanize your character in order to understand where he comes from…here Rolf is a poor kid in 1938 joining the Nazis to escape his class.”

“The Sound of Music is relevant today,” Dan remarks, “because historical fiction has a huge impact.” He compares the trials of the Von Trapps to the current Isis situation.

Dan appreciates how welcoming and generous the support staff at The Ahmanson has been. “It’s a pleasure to walk into a gorgeous venue with amazing architecture.”

For those looking to pursue a career in musical theatre, Dan insists it’s crucial to be educated. He recommends “watching every movie, every TV show, filling yourself with things you haven’t seen before, listening to music you haven’t heard, and reading a lot of books and news magazines.”

Dan admits to regularly reading the Economist and listening to the BBC. “It’s about being well rounded and having an awareness of the art form you’re in and the world around you. You might get an audition tomorrow for a certain show and if you aren’t familiar with it, you could be in trouble.”

Performing live is gratifying, Dan divulges, as audiences are completely different in every city. He attributes this to the fact that The Sound of Music has such a wide appeal.

In Los Angeles, the theatre patrons, Dan explains “are used to being entertained in a more sophisticated way…they understand the wit and nuances,” that residents elsewhere might not.

Paige got hooked on acting, singing, and dancing at a young age. She focused on her dancing expertise since it was easier to get jobs in the ensemble, working her way up the ranks to understudy and then lead.

After landing the role of Leisl, Paige encouraged Dan to audition eventhough he didn’t feel he was right for the part. (I guess this just goes to show you that there’s a brilliant woman behind every man or is it vice versa?)

For Paige, The Sound of Music stands for “fighting for what you know is right, what you feel in your gut, and not giving into the fear of peer pressure. To share that message with others every night is really fulfilling, enlightening, and refreshing. Eventhough the show takes you on an emotional journey, you walk away feeling good.”

A highlight so far for Paige, was performing in front of 2000 middle and elementary school students during a matinee. “They were hooting and hollering, really enjoying every moment, asking smart questions at the Q & A afterwards. The play is popular, a lot of people have been exposed to it, and stay engaged.”

Paige describes the cast as “positive and down to earth.” She refers to Anderson (Maria) as a “beacon of leadership with a good head on her shoulders, calm, confident, and thoughtful.” She agrees with Dan that the Ahmanson staff are wonderful to work with. “Everyone has treated us incredibly well.”

Paige relates to her character, Leisl, who’s transitioning from youth to adult, and how confusing it can be to navigate the rite of passage. She admits, “It wasn’t too long ago I went through that, and to revisit it with Dan, the person I first went through it with, is a wonderful experience.”

“Climb Every Mountain,” one of Paige’s favorites to sing, “is powerful and gorgeous.” She loves the different take on “My Favorite Things,” and considers it “more vibrant and lively” than the film version. (no spoiler alerts here you’ll have to see for yourself)

In order to keep her stamina up and stay in top form night after night, Paige tries to maintain a balance between resting and seeing sights. She keeps in shape by taking local dance classes and regularly attends the yoga and workout sessions provided by the touring company and taught by a certified fitness instructor.

Paige suggestions for anyone wanting to break into the biz include: “Keep working hard, be kind to yourself, and always be prepared by training, learning, and improving so you’re ready for any possibility that comes your way.”

Contact: Dan Tracy at www.dan-tracy.com; Paige Silvester at www.paigesilvester.com

Tickets are $25-$150 available online at www.centertheatregroup.org; by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at 213-972-4400; or in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Music Center.

Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2 and 8pm; Sunday and 1 and 6:30pm; plus an added 2pm performance on Thursday, October 29.