The Sound of Music, 50th Anniversary! (& giveaway)

Here's an image that we (should) all know and love:


This year is the 50th anniversary of the musical version of The Sound of Music. Contrary to popular opinion, Julie Andrews was not the Broadway star of said musical. Instead, Mary Martin took the honors as having portrayed Maria Von Trapp on stage. Now, most of us are used to listening to Julie Andrews belt out the very familiar tunes from this movie. I had actually never heard Mary Martin sing any of the songs until I was sent a copy of The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Edition (original cast recording) to listen to. You can take a listen, courtesy of Youtube:



Familiar song, slightly different voice. Good memories all around. (The new 50th anniversary CD includes 3 new tracks: 1. a song with Julie Andrews 2. Edelwiss, in German and 3. Climb Ev'ry Mountain, in Swedish.)

What made this story so popular? Why does it stick with us so? Is it the idea of a young woman, not knowing who she is or where she belongs, making a name for herself in the world? Is it triumph over evil? Is it the music itself which seems to speak to the heart of who we all are - reminding us to take small moments to think about our favorite things? In a day and age where we do not have much time to think about what's for dinner, the reminder to think about the things we truly value and enjoy is definitely valid.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this Broadway musical, Simon &; Schuster have released a special Sound of Music: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up book. Every page spread depicts a now very familiar scene. It opens with Maria (literally) twirling away in the hills which she loved so much. A small book (with extra pop-up pictures inside of it) with pages to turn also appears on each spread so that you can read the book as a story (apart from oo-ing and aahh-ing over the pop up displays themselves, of course). This is a well-designed book that draws you in to scenes, such as Maria meeting the Von Trapp children for the first time or the wedding ceremony at the Nonnberg Abbey. As you read along with the story, you will also come across lyrics to some of the songs from the musical.

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibertijibit! A will-o'-the-wisp! A clown!"

(I didn't even have to look at the words to type them up. I have the song memorized.) As do you, too, I am sure! The Von Trapp story is a remarkable one and well worth memorializing in song and on stage (and on the big screen).



This Sound of Music Pop-up book is a fun way to remember their story and the Rogers and Hammerstein musical rendition. Although it is written for children, it's best enjoyed by older fingers guiding younger fingers through the scenes, stories and songs, to familiarize a new generation with a wonderful story that depicts fiery determination, honor, respect, human decency and brilliant talent. I love this story and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to enjoy this book and CD.

Now some good news for one of you.... Simon & Schuster have generously offered one copy of the book and the CD to one reader here at Reading to Know!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Merry Early Christmas from Simon & Schuster!