An appreciation for the "Sound of Music Live"

I’m going to go on record to say that I loved the “Sound of Music Live” with Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer…I know, I know, there were a ton of things wrong with it (the acting – not only on Carrie’s part either) …but, for me, there were a lot of things right with it, too.  One of those things happens to be that it gave me a new appreciation for the movie and the talent behind it.  The “Sound of Music” is my most favorite movie of all time; one that can still bring tears to my eye, and I feel a little possessive of it as well. 

However, I loved that I heard new songs that I had never heard before, and I liked them.  I also loved that I saw the characters developed in a way that was different from the movie.  The Baroness was no where near as calculating in TV’s most recent adaptation, nor did the Captain and the Baroness break up over his love of Maria, but rather because of differing political views.  (That was my take on it, anyway)  I do feel as though the accidental and undeniable love between the Captain and Maria didn’t have the same romantic vibe in the live version as in the movie…but, like I said, there were problems. 
 
Carrie Underwood’s bravery at taking on such an iconic role has to be respected.  Especially, since the music is a genre that was outside of her comfort zone of country.  It was obviously a difficult task, and it also gave me a greater appreciation for just how talented Julie Andrews truly is; she makes it look so easy and effortless.
 
Plus, I marveled at the ingenuity of the staging - it took a lot of very smart and talented people to put all of that together. 
 
I was totally down with the whole thing being “LIVE”, too…there was a sense that anything could happen, and I absolutely felt the thrill of that.   I’ve spent too much of my time watching TV that is absolutely produced to appeal to the lowest common denominator, and I was thankful to be able to watch a production with talented people that was happening in real time just an hour from my house…if I fell asleep, they would still be “on”, I knew they were doing costume changes as I went to get a drink, and my heart was cheering them on from the comfort of my living room– hoping for the best, rooting for the cast and crew!
 
Admittedly, my favorite part was Audra McDonald singing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”…that was amazing, and it gave my chills and made me teary-eyed…I’m glad I saw it LIVE to witness all of the power in her voice and hear the high notes that are so impossible for me to hit.  That was exciting!
 
I hope that more live musicals will be broadcast in the future.  I also hope that viewers can let go of their inner-Grinch and need to judge and appreciate the magic of people stepping outside their box and challenging themselves to be more than what we expect of them.

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