You might have to come to terms with the fact that this isn't the movie.

No Julie Andrews. No Christopher Plummer.

No Julie Andrews.

But once you let go of the version of "The Sound of Music" you have watched 100 times on video, the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater's performance is easy to appreciate as polished and full of strong talent.

Do I need to bother with a synopsis? Based off Maria von Trapp's autobiography, the musical chronicles an Austrian family's evolution into a singing group against the backdrop of a Nazi takeover.

Hands down, the highlight of this production is the seven youth playing the Von Trapp children (the actors' ages range from 7 to 23).

The musical numbers in this performance are truly complicated, requiring the kids to often hold their own at exposed intervals, and the young performers tackle the layered melodies and choreography like actors beyond their years.

Sometimes in theater performances, audience members might be squirming in their seats when child performers stab at high notes, but there's no such danger here.

Standing out in particular is Joy Martin, playing the eldest daughter, Liesl von Trapp, who offers a strong singing voice and obvious comfort level on the stage.

Jessica Skerritt-Stokinger invests some serious zeal in the lead role of abbey postulant and governess Maria Rainer. The actress displays impressive vocal calisthenics, and her bubbly personality is certainly believable as an ingenue breaking into adulthood.

She lays the giddiness on a little thick, though. There were moments that felt more "High School Musical" than Nazi-occupied Austria.

Maria's love interest and father of seven Capt. Von Trapp is played by Dane Stokinger (he and the leading lady married earlier this year), who boasts a rich, beautiful singing voice that does justice to the production's most well-known songs.

But the confidence in his singing lessens somewhat when he's just speaking lines. As an actor Stokinger lacks presence, which is pretty crucial for playing a stern patriarch and sea captain.

The performers in smaller roles truly shine, and the actors' work there enhances the show.

Julie Powell's belting of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" as the Mother Abbess is shiver inducing. At last Saturday night's performance, I heard neighboring audience members sharing surprise over how a school teacher - Powell teaches music at Bryan and Fernan elementary schools - could harbor such talents.

Also, Patrick Treadway is memorable as Max Detweiler, the obsequious yet charming arts promoter who eventually puts the family on stage.

Overall, there's little not to like about the show. The orchestra and sets are high quality, and the general professionalism makes the $40 ticket worthwhile.

The play version does differ from the movie, too, including extra songs and scenes. So folks who think they know the musical might still be in for some surprises.

Still, I admit, when I got home on Saturday night I popped in the DVD of the musical, and basked in the familiar accent and effusive warmth of Julie Andrews.

It's nice to get a fresh taste, but it's hard to let go of what you're used to.

"The Sound of Music" runs through this Sunday at Boswell Hall on the North Idaho College campus. The show runs two and a half hours.

Folks can purchase tickets online at www.cdasummertheatre.com, or call 769-7780.

Tickets are also available before the show at the box office in Boswell Hall.

Alecia Warren is a staff writer for The Press. She can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2011, or via e-mail at awarren@cdapress.com.