Fairfax City Families Capture the Von Trapps

Fairfax City families will tell the true story of the Von Trapps on stage tonight at Lanier Middle School.

The City of Fairfax Theatre Company is back, putting on their third annual summer show. This year the audience is in for a special treat, as CFTC will perform on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “The Sound of Music.”

This time, 28 of the 50 cast members will perform alongside either their parents or siblings.

Amongst the actors are the Zakreskis. After watching her daughters Anna, 9, and Sarah, 7, perform for years, Judy Zakreski will be stepping onto the stage for her first ever community show, playing the role of Elsa Schraeder.

“I’ve always been backstage braiding hair and fixing costumes, and now I get to go out and perform with them,” she said.  “It is something nice we can all share.”

For Zakreski, who also works full-time as the as the vice president of CHINDEX International, a healthcare company, the time in the theatre is something she does for her daughters.

“[Acting] gives them confidence and they really enjoy it, so I do everything I can to encourage them,” she said.

Her daughter Anna said that her family and the CFTC have made this the most ‘comfortable place to act.’ She's performed alongside her sister countless times.

“We’re always really close, so it's not that much different,” she said.   “But on stage we have to be serious instead of crazy.”

The lead role of Captain George Von Trapp will be played by four-year Fairfax City resident Chris Davis. For Davis, a naval commander working for the Secretary of Defense, tonight will be his first performance in 15 years. For his son J.P., who will be backstage casting the spotlight, it will be the first time he has ever seen his father perform.

“When my family first convinced me to come audition, I figured I’d get the role of Soldier No. 3,” Davis said. “When I was asked to the take the lead I was really surprised.”

“I think he is really having a blast,” J.P. said. “And the way he stepped in and took the lead role, I was really proud of him."

When asked if watching Captain Von Trapp was much of a stretch from living with Commander Davis, J.P replied, “I think the Naval discipline, poise, and character comes through, but he is not as strict.”

He then joked that he hopes they don’t let him take the whistle home.

The play debuts tonight at 8, with encore performances Saturday night at 8, and Sunday afternoon at 2. Sunday’s show will be followed by a Q & A that will allow audience members to meet some of Fairfax City’s finest actors and actresses.  

Can't make it this weekend? The CFTC will perform another full set of shows the same time next weekend.