From the time of the
very successful stage play and musical (1959 Mary Martin and Theodor Bikel) to the
movie (1965 Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer), until the present moment, this
musical story of the von Trapp family never tires. Yes, there is the singing of
"Edelweiss", dancing the Ländler, the joy of children's voices
singing novel, beautiful and fun songs one after another , the strict Captain Georg von
Trapp who gradually mellows and transforms, and the ever-beloved Maria (tutor and governess)
and nun to-be-or-not-to-be (postulant) who eventually becomes Captain von
Trapp's wife. This is truly a captivating story and musical which commands your
attention, interest and eventually captures your heart along some very pleasant
musical hours.
This updated version of the "Sound of Music" on
NBC has excellent scenery and props, quality music and singing and a fine
supporting cast. Carrie Underwood who plays Maria does an excellent job both
singing and acting. She plays her role comfortably and with gentleness and kind
confidence. She radiates a quiet beauty, innocence, simplicity and intelligence in her role.
Stephen Moyer does a good job as the Captain, and although he differs in some
ways from Christopher Plummer's portrayal of von Trapp in the Sound of Music
movie, he comes across credibly and well. The supporting actors and actresses
are very good. Frau Elsa Schrader acts and sings as the coy, careful and
plotting fiancé quite skillfully and Herr Dettweiler, the planner for the
singing Kaltzberg festival, does well too. All the von Trapp children are
excellent and delightful and well-directed.
The "Sound of
Music" is a great Christmas show or anytime show and the producers,
directors and crew who produced this, as well NBC, are to be congratulated for
bringing quality entertainment to all of us during the Christmas and Winter
Holiday season.
There
is joy and peace in the air with NBC's "The Sound of Music" and I
suggest that you probably don't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy a quality musical
remake which itself will become another classic worth seeing and having in your
DVD library.