Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Music CLOSED

Can you hear it? The hills are alive...with the sound of music. That's right, one of my all-time favorite musicals, The Sound of Music, is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the original Broadway cast recording this month.

Almost six years before the film version with Julie Andrews became an international sensation, The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway on November 14, 1959 -- an instant hit, starring musical theater legend Mary Martin, that went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The last musical in the incomparable collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music introduced a spectacular array of songs that immediately became standards -- "My Favorite Things," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Maria," "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss" and the soaring title song. It continues to be one of the most popular and enduring musicals of all time.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, Sony Music has released a remastered, commemorative edition of the original Broadway cast recording with extensive liner notes, rarely seen photos of the recording sessions from November 22, 1959 , as well as three rare bonus tracks.

Track Listing:

1. Act I: Preludium
2. The Sound of Music
3. Maria
4. My Favorite Things
5. Do-Re-Mi
6. Sixteen Going on Seventeen
7. The Lonely Goatherd
8. How Can Love Survive?
9. The Sound of Music (Reprise)
10. Laendler
11. So Long, Farewell
12. Climb Ev'ry Mountain
13. Act II: No Way to Stop It
14. An Ordinary Couple
15. Processional
16. Sixteen Going on Seventeen (Reprise)
17. Edelweiss
18. Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Reprise)
19. From Switzerland: The Pratt Family
20. Edelweiss (German)
21. Sok Dig Till Bergen (Climb Every Mountain)

I had the pleasure of listening to a digital version of the new album and while I've always associated Julie Andrews with the character of Maria, I was happy to hear that all of the original Broadway songs had the same magic they had on the silver screen. "My Favorite Things" remains my favorite song from the musical, closely followed by "Do-Re-Mi" and "Sixteen Going On Seventeen". I remember being eight or nine years old, thinking sixteen was forever and a year away. Now here I am at twenty-six going on twenty-seven. Ah, the memories.

In addition to Sony's commemorative CD, Simon and Schuster has released a hardcover, collectible pop-up book, The Sound of Music: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up, adapted from the beloved stage musical. The classic adventure of the Von Trapp family comes alive through paper engineering, with each page displaying stunning illustrations and lyrics from the timeless melodies.



While I have not reviewed the pop-up book, it looks like a wonderful keepsake for any child or family. However, I did have the pleasure of reviewing the Sound of Music Sing-Along activity book, which I am happy to share with all of you fellow fans! As you watch the movie, read the book or listen to the CD, you can use this guide to encourage your child to read and follow the story along with you. What a lovely way to experience and share the musical you love with your children.

Bottom line: If you or someone you know is a fan of The Sound of Music, this special edition CD and collectible pop-up book are must-haves to your/their collection.

BUY IT: You can purchase The Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Edition album on Amazon, iTunes or at your local music retailer (ARV $10.99). The Sound of Music: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up book can be found on Amazon or at bookstores nationwide (ARV $17.81).

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win The Sound of Music 50th Anniversary CD release, as well as the children's pop-up book!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): This one is two-fold: (1) tell me your favorite song from The Sound of Music and (2) use the Sing-Along guide to tell me one of Maria's "favorite things". You must fulfill both entries to be qualified. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)



Giveaway will end on December 8, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a digital version of the Sound of Music 50th Anniversary edition CD and a copy of the Sing-Along Guide from Dana at Sony Music Group. I was not sent a review copy of the album nor was I sent a copy of the pop-up book. I was not compensated in any way for this post.