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re: SOM THING GOOD

Posted by: TheOtherOne 10:40 am EST 12/07/13
In reply to: re: SOM THING GOOD - mikem 09:47 am EST 12/07/13

I found it dull, but I did watch the whole thing. I'm glad I did. The contrast between the cheery surface and inner darkness of "No Way To Stop It" was quite impressive, and the threat of the Nazis seemed more ominous in the show than it does in the film, with its energetic underscoring and battery-cutting nuns. We're left with the impression that Max is going to pay dearly for having helped Von Trapp as well in the show.

I do think Lehman improved the work overall, but it isn't a question of him rescuing a failure (as some imply). He had a good piece to work with and he made if flow better as a film. He also had Wise and a sensational cast to make the most of it.

It is hard to compare the two on the basis of the broadcast. Televised theater, live or not, is always going to seem a little static without audience response, things are going to be lost due to sound and lighting issues, and you are still at the mercy of what the camera is showing you. The broadcast lacked a flow that it needed, but I think that owes more to these technical issues than the show itself.

I have never seen The Sound of Music on stage. I would not avoid it on the basis of this production.


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re: SOM THING GOOD

Posted by: AlanScott 06:01 pm EST 12/07/13
In reply to: re: SOM THING GOOD - TheOtherOne 10:40 am EST 12/07/13

I really disliked the directorial touch of making us think that Max was going into possibly lots of trouble for facilitating the escape. It's not suggested in the published script, and while I understand the temptation to add it, I really think it's a mistake.

We shouldn't be worried at the end about Max possibly being executed or dying in a concentration camp. We should be moved that the Trapps are escaping.


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re: SOM THING GOOD

Posted by: lowwriter 12:01 pm EST 12/07/13
In reply to: re: SOM THING GOOD - TheOtherOne 10:40 am EST 12/07/13

I've seen the show on stage and I've enjoyed it very much. Both Debbie Boone and Rebecca Luker were delightful Marias. Casting the Captain is harder, really.

I'm not sure if anyone remembers now but although the SOM film was an enormous hit, it wasn't actually a huge critical success. Several critics, including Pauline Kael, hated it and Julie Andrews' sweetness.


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