Watch The Sound of Music Live

The Sound of Music Live is a live television adaptation of the beloved 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music. Filmed in front of a live audience at the Grumman Studios in Bethpage, New York, the production first premiered on NBC on December 5, 2013 as part of the network's annual holiday programming event. The plot of The Sound of Music Live follows the story of Maria, a free-spirited postulant who is sent to be a governess for the seven children of the strict Captain Georg von Trapp in pre-World War II Austria. As Maria helps the children grow and develops a close relationship with them, she also falls in love with the Captain and helps the family escape the looming threat of Nazism.

The lead role of Maria is played by American country singer and actress Carrie Underwood, making her acting debut. The Captain is portrayed by British stage actor Stephen Moyer, known for his role in the HBO series True Blood. The production also features a star-studded supporting cast, including Tony Award winners Laura Benanti and Christian Borle.

The Sound of Music Live was directed by three-time Tony Award winner Rob Ashford and Beth McCarthy-Miller, with a script adapted by Emmy Award-winning writer Neil Meron and Craig Zadan. The production is faithful to the original musical, featuring well-known songs such as "Do Re Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," and the title song "The Sound of Music."

The decision to broadcast a live television adaptation of The Sound of Music was met with skepticism and anticipation in equal measure. It had been nearly 60 years since the original musical debuted on Broadway and more than 40 years since the beloved film version starring Julie Andrews was released. However, the production was highly anticipated by fans of both the musical and the stars involved.

The Sound of Music Live was praised for its ambitious production design, featuring elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and impressive choreography. The show was broadcast with minimal edits or retakes, adding to the excitement and tension of the live performance. The production also included a live orchestra, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

However, the live nature of the production also led to some technical issues, with a notable microphone malfunction during a key song. Some critics also took issue with Underwood's performance, with some feeling that her country-singing roots didn't translate well to the musical theater genre. However, most reviews were positive, praising the cast's energy and the overall ambitious nature of the production.

The Sound of Music Live was a ratings success, drawing in more than 18 million viewers and becoming the most-watched live television event in years. The success of the production led to renewed interest in the musical, with a national tour announced shortly after the broadcast.

In conclusion, The Sound of Music Live is an ambitious and faithful live television adaptation of the beloved musical. Despite some technical and performance issues, the production was overall well-received and became a ratings success. The show is a must-see for fans of the musical and anyone who enjoys ambitious live television events.

The Sound of Music Live is a 2018 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes.