“And whiskers on kittens.”

That cute part of the opening lyric from “My Favorite Things” is one of the many things that makes “The Sound of Musical,” with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, such a favorite.

When Gianna Neal (Maria) and Kate Varley (Mother Abbess) break into song with “My Favorite Things,” you know that Civic Theatre of Allentown’s production of “The Sound of Musical,” through Oct. 17, Nineteenth Street Theatre, will be one of your favorite things.

The inspiring and upbeat songs are undergirded by a solemn story not lost on opening night when the show was seen for this review, with the curtain rising about one hour after sunset, the beginning of Yom Kippur.

“The Sound of Music” is based on a 1949 memoir by Maria von Trapp, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” and takes place on the eve of the Anschluss, March 11, 1938, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria.

Maria, who leaves Nonnberg Abbey to become governess to the seven Von Trapp children, is the moral fulcrum of the story, with the fortitude of Captain Von Trapp (a solid Tim Brown) challenged and the lassitude of Max Detweiler (a rollicking Shaun Hayes) put to the test.

Every theater-goer can identify with the crisis of choice. Fortunately, the songs are so overwhelmingly good that the decision is beyond reproach.

The Civic production opens with astonishingly powerful singing in “The Morning Hymn,” “Angelus Bells,” “Alleluia” by the Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey: Mother Abbess (Kate Varley), Sister Berthe (Moriah Faith), Sister Margaretta (Grace Oddo) and Sister Sophia (Grace Adele Hochella) who could rival many a church choir.

The Von Trapp Children: Liesl (Maricel Wheatley), Fredrich (Zeke Adams), Louisa (Lila Furst), Brigitta (Maggie Kieres), Kurt (Connor Simmons), Marta (Eleanor Swartz) and Gretl (Kinsley Andronis), with Maria (Gianna Neal), are charming and in fine voice on “Do Re Mi” and “The Lonely Goatherd” and “So Long, Farewell,” the latter with Captain Von Trapp (Tim Brown) and “Edelweiss,” the latter with Maria (Gianna Neal) and Captain Von Trapp (Tim Brown).

Gianna Neal presents an energetic and unassuming Maria who at times startles with a commanding presence, as befits, for example, “The Sound of Music” title song.

“Sixteen Going on Seventeen” is rendered with bravado and tenderness by Todd Croslis (Rolf) and Maricel Wheatley (Liesl).

Kate Varley (Mother Abbess) provides the show-stopper, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” that concludes Act 1 with an exclamation point.

The cast includes John Bracali (Franz), Bethany Wentling (Elsa Schraeder), Cindy Cicconi-Ernst (Frau Schmidt), Mason McGowan (Herr Zeller) and Paul Reed (Shrieber, Butler).

In the Ensemble are: Luci Loftus, Deven Windisch, Charlie Strzelecki, Ivanna Diaz, Wendy Borst, Anthony Sanchez, Olivia Emens, Sarai Misic, Rose Fortkamp, Jada Fontanez, Victoria Spruiell and Bowie Green.

Director Nick Conti keeps the large cast moving adroitly, no small task given the cast of 20 and ensemble of 12.

Choreography by William Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Managing Artistic Director, provides a lovely dance for Captain Von Trapp (Tim Brown) and Maria (Gianna Neal).

Music direction is by Adam Conti, working with Sound Designer Lucas Campbell. The music ensemble includes Johanna Reisteter, strings, synthesizer; Eileen Fields, piano; Kyle Hummel, reeds; Tom Herr, bass, and Ron Grassi, percussion.

Set Designer Luke Blomstrom provides an especially convincing Abbey, working with Lighting Designer Ellen Schmoyer.

Costume Designer Rae Labadie outfits all convincingly, working with Hair and Wig Designer Kim Danish. The children’s coordinated curtain outfits are, of course, a hoot.

If you are a fan of “The Sound of Music” and the Golden Age of Broadway, don’t miss the Civic Theatre of Allentown staging of a musical classic. The production will become of your favorite things.

“The Sound of Music,” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 16, 18, 24. 25; 2 p.m. Oct. 13, 20, 27; 2, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 26, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Main Stage, 0527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/