It’s only right that Lauren O’Brien is partial to “16 Going on 17,” Liesl’s iconic song in “The Sound of Music.”

The actress has been on tour with the award-winning show since September and will be arriving in Little Rock for four shows May 24-26, playing the part of Liesl, the oldest von Trapp daughter.

During the rehearsal and production of “The Sound of Music,” O’Brien has had the opportunity to work with a cast that includes eight kids under the age of 12 and said that the show has opened her eyes to new lessons over the course of the last several months, even after having grown up watching the movie.

The two-and-a-half hour production is completely family-friendly, although younger kids may need some explanation of the historical context (Nazi Germany invading Austria).

We chatted with O’Brien to get her thoughts on "The Sound of Music" and why it’s worth taking your kids to.

Little Rock Family: What lessons do you think the story can teach kids?

Lauren O’Brien: Having run this show for so many months I find that different things pop out to me at different times. Right now, I’ve been noticing that there’s this really beautiful lesson that it’s never too late to forgive. Even if you realize that you’re wrong that’s OK; someone can come into your life and help you to see things in a better light than you had seen before and there’s no shame in that.

LRF: What has it been like to work with a cast that includes a lot of young actors?

LO: The kids are absolutely amazing to work with. I love all of them; they’re such little professionals and they all have such bright futures. They range from ages 6-12 and we have eight children all together on the road because we have six kids playing the six youngest von Trapp children and we have two swings who go on when one of the other kids is sick.

They’re just a great group to have with us. They just lighten up the mood and sometimes it’s a serious, stressful business that we’re in, especially touring to new cities every week. But they’re just so excited all the time and have so much energy and really bring a great dynamic to the whole production.

LRF: Why is this show worth bringing kids to?

LO: Kids seeing theater is so important. I remember the first show that I ever saw, “The Wizard of Oz,” and I will never forget it and it was one of the main reasons why I wanted to audition for my first show.

Regardless if your child is interested in being involved in theater or not, this show is just such a beautiful show to show your children because it’s about starting over, being kind, family and the importance of that and doing what you love. I think kids and adults can really learn a lot from this show and it kind of transcends generations … It’s kind of timeless.

For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, visit Celebrity Attractions' website.