The Sound of Music: The Complete Book and Lyrics

by Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse, Oscar Hammerstein II

The final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.

Genres: Plays, Drama, Fiction, Theatre, Historical Fiction, Music

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite movies but had no idea it was a musical before a movie! There are way more differences than i expected, I actually do wish they kept more scenes from the musical because removing them took away some of the political aspects. New songs I didn’t rlly know about too, happy to read it!!

[Abby Filsinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite musical of all time so it was definitely a treat to get to read the original book and songs for it. There are so many songs that they cut and or rearranged in the movie that it was a bit jarring at first but overall very interesting and fun to see some pictures from the movie and the original Broadway show with Mary Martin! Highly recommend if you’re a theatre person!

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember how disheartened I felt when I read Maria Von Trapp’s autobiography. The magic of The Sound of Music dimmed a little bit (albeit temporarily) in my eyes. I had that feeling again reading the play. I think if I ever saw the play, it would have been a one and done hard pass.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to spend my summer in this show!

[mac ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRoduced this for my school and the text is so much more than the songs and dances it contains.

[Cecilia DeMeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

[Lindsay Ewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the libretto as I'll be directing the show this spring!