<p>The Sound of Music has always been my favorite movie, hands down. I’m almost embarrassed to say I’ve never seen a stage production, but at least I won’t be comparing it to anything I’ve seen on stage before. </p>
<p>It was the very first movie I ever saw in a movie theater, as a very young child. Of course, it was years before I could see it again and again, when one of the network stations started running it every Easter weekend… then when I could buy the movie on VHS video. I’m sure I’ve seen it hundreds of times and have read several books written about it.</p>
<p>When the family and I were in Europe, we made Salzburg a must-do stop just for me and The Sound of Music. When we checked into our hotel, we learned that it was the hotel that that adult cast stayed at when they were filming in Austria. We also did The Sound of Music bus tour, which was a blast. </p>
<p>I know over the years, I’ve read in various threads that others on CC are big SOM fans. How do you feel about this performance? </p>
<p>I was talking to D2, who majored in theatre and vocal performance; she said there are a lot of people out there bashing the choice of Carrie Underwood for Maria (I’m pretty sure she’s one of them). I, too, am thinking there could have been a lot more appropriate choices, but for whatever reasons, the powers that be, chose her. I’m going to try to let go of my biases and give her the benefit of the doubt. But can’t wait for it to happen!</p>
<p>Yes! I too was wondering about Carrie Underwood, but I saw a “making of” special last weekend and she sounded pretty good. Not sure how much of an actress she is, however…</p>
<p>Sorry…but I just loved Julie Andrews as Maria, and have no interest in seeing anyone else. I saw her on broadway when I was very young, and also in the movie. I’ve appeared in civic theater performances of this show myself (as the countess), and the Julie Andrews version is the gold standard to me.</p>
<p>I’m like Terriwitt. I also think Julie Andrews is the gold standard. I think Carrie Underwood has a good voice for country music but not for Rogers and Hammerstein. I’m sure Audra Mcdonald will be great as the Mother Abbess. The Von Trapp children seemed promising from “The Making of” special. I’m thinking I will probably hate it, but since I’m such a Sound of Music fan, I have to watch it and give it a try. It seems the casting was done in the same way as the Les Miserables movie: bring in a big star for the lead even though a relative unknown would have been a better choice vocally.</p>
<p>I’m not going to make a judgement on Carrie as the lead until I see her performance. Unlikely anyone could match Julie Andrews, but why not see how she does, first?</p>
<p>The clips I’ve seen of Carrie looked pretty good to me. But I’m reasonably sure my musical theater daughter will be horrified if she even bothers to watch.</p>
<p>I get upset when SOM is shown on tv and hacked to death with commercial. My family hates listening to me tell them what is missing. So in that vein and my belief that no other but Mary Martin or Julie Andrews should ever play Maria. I did see a the brief clip done during the parade Thursday, looked better than I thought, I will DVR and watch alone Friday, to complain or be pleasantly surprised alone.</p>
<p>Although I can’t imagine anyone but Julie Andrews as Maria, I’ll probably watch the live TV production anyway, if only to hear Audra MacDonald. I’m sure they cast Carrie Underwood for ratings purposes; I’m just hoping she’s not too terrible.</p>
<p>For those of you who can’t imagine anyone else but Julie Andrews or Mary Martin playing Maria, have you see a stage production of the show? If so, didn’t you have to sort of lower your expectations then (or change them)?</p>
<p>I’m far from an expert on singing-- what is the objection to Carrie Underwood, as far as singing? What do the people who dislike that casting decision think she lacks?</p>
<p>^^^ I’m sure others will reply, but, for one, Underwood is a country singer, not a Broadway singer - they require different skill sets. Now, as far as I know, Underwood has never done any musical theatre professionally, so everyone is assuming she doesn’t have the training to pull off the role. </p>
<p>I just have a hard time believing someone who has sung country for a living can all of a sudden switch to performing Broadway. Like busdriver, I’m going to try to remain open-minded until I actually see the show… but she’s got a huge task ahead of her. So much of it will depend on the coaching and directing, also.</p>
<p>Does it make a difference (as far as singing) that this ISN’T Broadway? It’s live singing, but she is not singing on a stage. Also, what are the different skill sets? (I’m not trying to be contrary. I really don’t know and hope someone can answer)</p>
<p>I guess from what you’re saying, teriwtt, people also think that Carrie Underwood might not be enough of an actress to do the part?</p>
<p>I love SOM, I love Julie Andrews, but I think Carrie Underwood is a fabulous singer and I’m eager to see how she handles this role. It won’t be the same, but if we wanted the same, we could just watch the old movie.</p>
<p>I won’t be going to see this remake.>>>>>>></p>
<p>I think it’s a live TV performance so it’s more comparable to a stage production. I’m glad it’s not another movie for I can never accept that any could ever be better than the original!! I just love and never tire of seeing it again.</p>
<p>From the clips I have seen (and heard) on TV Carrie Underwood’s voice sounds beautiful. I think she can adapt her voice to different styles and I admire her for taking this professional risk. Still Julie Andrews IS Maria for me.</p>
<p>I like both SOM and I think Carrie could do a fine job - but honestly I’m more interested to see how this live performance on television pulls off!!!</p>