The Most Hated Sound of Music Tribute Ever
The 87th Academy Awards celebrated that 50th anniversary of The Sound Music. While many rejoiced at the occasion, others were horrified at the performance Lady Gaga put on. The starlet sang a tribute that simply horrified musical director master Stephen Sondheim.
Lady Gaga still gets criticism for that to this day, and that was in 2015! Move on people!
A Folk Song Classic
Songs from musicals are a specific genre. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, there is no denying that they have that signature sound. The Sound of Music, being the classic musical that it is, is filled with them. Except for when it comes to one song, "Edelweiss".
The song was actually initially written for the original Georg von Trapp in the Broadway version. Hammerstein, who cast the famous folk musician Theodore Bikel, felt that his talents were being underused. The song was meant to be a beautiful folk addition to the play that would make Bikel shine. It sure did!
Producers Preferred Grace Kelly
One cannot imagine Julie Andrews not being the fresh leading face of The Sound of Music. There was a point in time however when it was highly likely. According to Inside Edition Magazine, producers could not see Andrews in this type of role. Mary Poppins had not come out yet so they were not sure if she had that sort of star power to attract the audiences. Producers in fact almost cast Grace Kelly instead.
Author Tom Santopietro told INSIDE EDITION, "People were uncertain whether Julie Andrews would actually translate onto film because Mary Poppins hadn't been released yet. For the role of Maria, they considered Grace Kelly and Doris Day."
Charmian Who?
Many young starlets back then were in the running to play the role of Leisl. Just some of them included, Patti Duke, Mia Farrow, Sharon Tate and Geraldine Chaplin.
In the end it went to Charmian Carr. It was clear to see that when Carr stepped into the role, the choice was perfect. At least according to Plummer, who had a little thing for her.
An Unexpected TV Star
Kym Karath who played young Gretl went on to star in quite a few television hits. Karath played in shows such as The Brady Bunch, All My Children, and even in an episode of Lost In Space. Fellow Sound of Music co -star, Angela Cartwright even appeared in the same show later on.
Karath who at five years old auditioned with the song "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" felt very grown up doing that.