The Sound of Music Live Recap

Since some of us were talking about it in Raidcall  tonight I though I'd share my thoughts on it.  I liked this version of The Sound of Music. I loved and grew up watching the Julie Andrews version, Carrie Underwood did a fine job.  Audra McDonald as the Reverend Mother is just a delight to listen to. Climb Every Mountain was just wonderful.  I did some issues with the camera work, at times I thought my TV was zoomed in but it turned out it was the show.  The kids were great and the music overall was excellent.  Some of the acting seemed a little flat but it was passable.  I would suggest for anyone to see but don't try to compare to the Julie Andrews version. I should also warn you it was not a remake but a recording of the stage play so there will be some differences.  

Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts.

I should also mention I really enjoy musicals and enjoy just about everything from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

I've recorded it and look forward to watching it this weekend!  I also love musicals and grew up listening to them being played in my household.  

One of the gems from last night's broadcast  

 http://youtu.be/9H3C3x7zKMA

I sat and cried through most of it.   The Sound of Music is right at the top for me on favorite musicals and favorite movies - My Fair Lady is about a tie.  I am a huge fan of Julie Andrews and just love her - and all she's done.

I thought this version was very good and I didn't try and compare it to the original - as there would be no comparison but I still enjoyed it.  You are right - the camera work was lacking in several spots - and the children were delightful.  I noticed a couple of hiccups - but that should be expected from any live production - in front of a camera or on a stage.  And although Carrie is no Julie when it comes to acting - Julie Andrews was more accustom to it in her career as she had already done 2 major leading roles and had the experience of those directors under her bonnet - or habit.   I do think Carrie could get there and I hope she does more musicals - whether they are originals, remakes, or revivals.

ps.  The reason I cried though most of it was it reminded me of the first time I watched the Sound Of Music  and just why it became one of my all time favorites.  I still cry at My Fair Lady also.  I also kept it on my DVR to watch again at a future date.

Given I've done a lot of work in Musical Theatre, and am out of the loop given my location (Australia - every clip I try to access seems region locked), I'm kinda curious - What's this all about and why all the attention and fuss about this particular production? Is it just the televised live aspect that makes it special?

Basically - yes.  It was live TV which is seldom done - at least here in the US (with the exception of some "reality" shows).  So there was no cutting out of mistakes or endless retakes to get it right - such as a slight slip when Carrie was walking down a hill or the youngest member being off with her dance - or the father having a slight issue picking her up.   With all the staging they did I was actually surprised there weren't more mishaps - and becoming teary eyed on queue is quite an accomplishment.  I mean I can do it - I cry at raindrops on roses all the time - but there are those that can't.