By Gabrielle Young, Marketing Intern
OKLAHOMA CITY IS ALIVE with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC. As the longest-running Broadway musical of the early 1960s and subsequent 1965 film adaption, it can be regarded as the world’s most beloved musical. Written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse with a score by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, it opened in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway in 1959, and it eventually moved to the West End due to its popularity. Since its closing, it has had three revivals in 1981, 1998 and 2006. Undoubtedly, the 1965 film that stars Julie Andrews is responsible for the musical’s popularity even today.
Lyric’s 2001 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC
The story is centered around Maria, a free-spirited girl in Salzburg, Austria, who is sent away from her training as a nun to work as a governess for the wealthy, aristocratic Captain George Von Trapp—a widower with seven children. Winning the family’s hearts, Maria unites the Von Trapp family before their lives are quickly disrupted by Nazi Germany’s annexation of Austria. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.
Lyric’s 2008 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Marking the final collaboration between the famous composer and lyricist/librettist duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, the Sound of Music is filled with popular songs such as “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi.” However, these songs almost didn’t happen. Rodgers and Hammerstein were originally supposed to write only one song, but they ended up doing the entire score and lyrics as well as co-producing the show. In its entirety, the duo spent six months writing, and Hammerstein even wrote “My Favorite Things” by jotting down a list of his favorite things. Not only are these songs on the tips of people’s tongues, but they achieved critical acclaim at the 1960 Tony Awards where the musical won Best Musical.
Marissa McGowan in Lyric’s 2008 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Photo by Wendy Mutz.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is widely acclaimed by both audiences and critics alike winning awards for both the musical and the film in virtually every category from the most esteemed award ceremonies. Featuring dazzling performances, a popular score, and creative sets, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won five, including Best Musical. For the film adaptation, it garnered 10 Oscar nominations and five Oscar awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Score, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound. The film also won awards from the Directors Guild of America, the Golden Globes, and the National Board of Review. It was the top box office draw from 1966 through 1969, and it has remained one of the most popular films ever made.
Lyric’s 2008 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is a beloved family favorite with well-deserved, enduring popularity that can be attributed to its Tony, Grammy, and Oscar-winning score and heartfelt story of the strength of togetherness, love, and community in the face of the horrors of war. Experience the magic for yourself and see Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s stage come alive again with THE SOUND OF MUSIC!
Purchase tickets today at www.LyricTheatreOKC.org or www.OKCCivicCenter.com or by calling Lyric’s Box Office at (405) 524-9312.
Lyric’s 2008 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC
