The Sound Of Music Companion

The definitive, authorized history of the worlds most beloved musical, "The Sound of Music" is packed with rare full-color illustrations and little-known facts, its evolution from stage to screen, and the composers, writers, and performers who brought the show to immortal life.

"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 beforeComplete lyrics to favorite songs from the musicalA complete guide to the film locations and a map of SalzburgUnseen storyboards from the filmThe 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, Noel 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 thantwenty-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."