The main stage at Labuda Center for the Arts, DeSales University, is alive with the sound of talent.

Among the lead student actors in DeSales Act 1 production of “The Sound of Music,” one vocal talent is better than the other.

DeSales is known for strong Broadway-bound actors. “The Sound of Music” will be regarded for several breakout performances.

“The Sound of Music” continues through May 8. The April 29 performance was seen for this review.

The key casting choice in “The Sound of Music” is, of course, Maria Rainer, the nun who waivers between a love of God and devotion to the celibate life of a nun and the love for a man and devotion to maternal instincts. It’s really a beautiful concept and Abigail Vernon is wonderful in the role of Maria. She’s not a Julie Andrews type, with short blonde hair, but rather has long dark hair. This is no small detail since Andrews is so closely identified with the role in the movie adaptation (1965).

Vernon has a certain freedom in the role precisely because she doesn’t resemble Andrews. Vernon creates a giddy childlike enthusiasm when she takes charge of the von Trapp children as school teacher, vocal coach and seamstress (Oh, those matching draperies.). Vernon works so well in the role because she doesn’t seem all that much older than the children. Moreover, Vernon brings this joie de vivre to the musical’s well-known Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II songs, including the title song, to which Vernon gives flight with innocence and exuberance.

Just when you think no one can top Vernon, along comes the song, “My Favorite Things,” a duet with Sydney Abbott (The Mother Abbess), who has a wonderfully-embracing voice. Vernon is also splendid in “Do-Re-Mi” and “The Lonely Goatherd,” singing with The Children (Emily Tazza, Tim Sees Jr., Samantha Stec, Harrison Bostian, Gabby Snyder, Mia Moyer, Abigail Dodd).

The Children are excellent. Most are child actors, playing characters approximately their own age. Some are DeSales students, notably Emily Tazza (Leisl von Trapp), who manifests a much younger self, while projecting a bold voice in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” a duet with Rolf (Derek Elliott Jr., also in fine voice).

The Act I closer is the show-stopping “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and make no mistake, Sydney Abbott (Mother Abbess), singing with the Nuns, would stop the show even if the song wasn’t right before intermission. Abbott’s voice is simply breathtaking.

Abbott leads Sister Margaretta, Mistress of Postulants (Megan Castellane) and Sister Berthe, Mistress of Novices (Josie LaTorres) in a rendition of “Maria” that is a total delight.

Lest we forget, William Pearce (Captain Georg von Trapp) is shockingly good, none more so than in “How Can Love Survive,” with Elsa (Brielle Lewandowski) and Max (Giovanni Marini), and the title song reprise with Abigail Vernon (Maria) and The Children. Pearce is also superb, again powerfully so but also tenderly, in “Edelweiss” with Vernon and The Children.

All of these songs are wrapped up in the terrific score performed by a 13-piece orchestra deftly conducted by Musical Director Vincent Trovato.

Director John Bell keeps the story moving briskly and efficiently, assisted by Choreographer Christine Baglivio, with a keen understanding of the story’s stakes at hand, which escalate steadily in Act II until the inevitable occurs and that mountain, formerly so inspiring, becomes a challenge to surmount.

The production is excellent throughout, from Scenic Designer Will Neuert’s versatile set, to Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen’s evocative stained glass effects, to Costume Designer Sam Flemming’s thematically and character detailed attire.

I’ve just about run out of superlatives except to say, if you can still get ticket, make that reservation now for “The Sound of Music” at DeSales University Act I. It will long be remembered as one of the finest college productions ever presented in the Lehigh Valley.

“The Sound of Music,” 8 p.m. May 4, 5, 6, 7, and 2 p.m. May 7, 8, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. Tickets: www.tickets.desales.edu; 610-282-3192