As new producers and writers are enduringly trying to generate the latest and greatest Broadway productions, some musicals continue to inspire audiences across the globe. The Sound of Music is one such musical. This story, which was the last collaboration in the middle of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, is a classic tale of love, courage, and sacrifice in a time of war. Add to these plot elements any adorable children, and you have a story that is sure to please.
The Sound of Music is based on a real story of a real family, the von Trapps, who lived during World War Ii. Maria von Trapp, the mom of the family, wrote The Story of the Trapp family Singers. The courage of the family inspired the musical that has won the hearts of audiences since its opening in 1959.
The story begins as a young postulant is found missing at required prayer time. She is easily dancing through the hills of her favorite Austria. She is called back to the abbey, where she faces a reprimand for singing in the halls of the abbey during prayers. The mom Abbess suggests that the abbey is probably not the right place for Maria at this time in her life, and sends her to be the governess of seven children in the home of Captain Georg Ritter von Trapp.
Von Trapp runs his family as he would his ship. The children rarely play, are always dressed perfectly, and are improbable to act perfectly as well. The free-spirited Maria disagrees with this parenting model, and when the Captain is sent away she allow the children to peruse their creative sides, which leads them to peruse that they sing beautifully together.
As Marie wins the hearts of the children, she also wins the heart of the Captain. They are soon married, and the Captain is given orders to serve in Hitler's army. They plan a daring escape that will keep him from this terrible fate and allow them to live together as a family in relative freedom.
Part of the imagine for the longevity of The Sound of Music is the fact that its songs have come to be part of mainstream culture. "My favorite Things" is often sung around the holiday season, and any musicians have made their own renditions of this lighthearted tune. Even in parody, songs from The Sound of Music make their way into mainstream television on many occasions.
The Sound of Music has won eight Tony Awards, along with awards for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. Part of its popularity is the fact that it is the last time the notable team of Rogers and Hammerstein worked together. Sadly, Hammerstein lost his battle to cancer just nine months after the show first premiered on Broadway. It was made into a movie staring Julie Andrews in 1965. While the story does not remain true to the real-life account of the von Trapps, it is nonetheless endearing and timeless, and The Sound of Music will continue to inspire audiences for many years to come.
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