The Sound of Music Companion (Hardcover)

by Laurence Maslon (Author), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Foreword)
Key Phrases: Julie Andrews

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Will help fans enjoy the show to its fullest. Highly recommended for popular theater collections"
-- Library Journal

"This book is enough to make even the most stubborn Sound of Music Scrooge want to see it again."
-- Booklist (starred)

"Thoughtfully conceived, beautifully written and well-researched."
-- Bookpage

Product Description

The official companion to the world's most beloved musical

• More than 150 stunning images from the film and theater productions worldwide -- many never seen before
• Complete lyrics to favorite songs from the musical
• A complete guide to the film locations and a map of Salzburg
• Unseen storyboards from the film
• The Singalong Sound of Music phenomenon and much more...

The Sound of Music Companion charts the incredible and enduring life of Maria Von Trapp and the musical version of her story over the last century -- from Maria's birth in Vienna in 1905 to the triumphant new stage production presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber in London in 2006. Retrace every step in the evolution of this masterwork, from real life to page to stage to film to international phenomenon, and read about every creative artist who helped shape this beloved musical tale -- from Rodgers and Hammerstein and Mary Martin to Robert Wise, Julie Andrews, and Christopher Plummer. Folded into the saga are guest appearances by Carol Burnett, John Coltrane, Noël Coward, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Gwen Stefani, among others.

Composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II joined forces in 1942 to create the most successful partnership in American musical theater. In addition to The Sound of Music (1959), their prodigious output includes Oklahoma! (1943), Carousel (1945), South Pacific (1949), and The King and I (1951). Their musicals have earned nearly three dozen Tony Awards, fifteen Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, and two Grammy Awards.

The partnership of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse stands as the longest collaboration of any writers in theatrical history, lasting for more than twenty-eight years. Their hits include The Sound of Music; Anything Goes; Red, Hot and Blue; Call Me Madam; the long-running play Life With Father; the Pulitzer Prize-winning State of the Union; and Happy Hunting.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416549544
• ISBN-13: 978-1416549543
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,207 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A seminal Sound of Music book, November 3, 2007

By	Yi-Peng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although there have been a few Sound of Music books written in the past, this book is probably the first of its kind to tell the story in a concise manner. The Hirsch book on the film and the reissued Max Wilk book on the stage show were great books in their own right, but I think this book tops them all.

Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first Austrian stage production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of SOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd.

In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical. I think this is a book that deserves to be in print forever.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sound of Music, December 28, 2007

By	MARY RUTH (MN USA) - See all my reviews

Wonderful! Very complete compilation of many sources regarding the Sound of Music. Covers not only the movie, but also the stageplay, the history behind the script and music, and the history of the Von Trapps themselves. The pictures are absolutely beatiful! There are stills from the movie, from the original Broadway cast, from many Broadway revivals, as well as many behind the scenes shots. This is a must have for anybody who loves the story of the Sound of Music.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, January 6, 2008

By	T. Valach "Buck" (Minneapolis MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful book for THE SOUND OF MUSIC enthusiast. Lots of great background information and photographs. Thank you.