By Joseph McDonough
Enquirer contributor

Cincinnati Music Theatre is completing its yearlong salute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed Broadway composer Richard Rodgers by producing his crowd-pleasing chestnut The Sound of Music.

As in last spring's Carousel, CMT's singing far outshines the acting in the familiar story of novitiate Maria Rainer (Kim Shropshire), who leaves an abbey to govern and eventually teach music to the seven children of strict Capt. Georg von Trapp (Rick Kramer) just before Nazi occupation of Austria.

An enjoyable time will be had by those most interested in hearing some of the more memorable tunes (under Dick Wesp's musical direction) from Rodgers' collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, such as "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "So Long, Farewell," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and the title song.

Ms. Shropshire is an appealing Maria with a wide-eyed innocence and a continuously energetic smile. She doesn't change her expression much or exhibit any emotional range, but her beautiful soprano voice is well-suited to the role.

Mr. Kramer provides the strongest performance in the production as he makes Capt. von Trapp an Austrian tower of strength with a depth of charm and affection for his family lurking just beneath the surface.

Mr. Kramer's simple, understated singing of "Edelweiss" is one of the best moments of the evening as he quietly accompanies himself on the guitar, surrounded by his loving children.

A contrasting highlight is strong-voiced Elissa S. Helfont's powerful rendition of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." Though Ms. Helfont is too young to play the Mother Abbess, she will raise the hair on your neck as she belts out this testament to following your dreams.

Director Dan Anderson skillfully keeps the pace moving with his cast of 35, though the performance levels vary greatly.

Faring the best among the supporting cast are Susan Koehl Bardes as housekeeper Frau Schmidt and Katie Daniel as eldest von Trapp daughter Liesl, who sings "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."

A chorus of a cappella nuns also stands out as do the other von Trapp kids, who are suitably adorable.

The numerous 1930s costumes by Kathy Luhn are all detailed and effective, except for Maria's first-act dress, which isn't nearly as ugly as the script demands.

Set designer Amanda Beelmann does a fine job in creating an abbey with tall pillars and colorful stained glass, the von Trapp terrace with long elegant windows, and a huge painted mountain backdrop.

The Sound of Music, through Saturday, Cincinnati Music Theatre, Aronoff Center Jarson-Kaplan Theater, 241-7469.