Sound of Music brought to you by Walmart & Stouffer's Lasagna — Page 2

PB starts a thread to shame the broadcast for their changes from the "original" when, in fact, this is the ORIGINAL version (with the exception of one song)? My God, the narcism is overwhelming.

Who is PBS? Who said anything about me shaming anyone? The production I saw at the Walnut Street theater in Philly was a legal R&H production. I was there and so were reps. from R&H on opening night. They (R&H) made changes from the original production obviously because they felt it was a better choice. The film and other productions kept those changes which resulted in an award winning film and future productions that many have come to enjoy.

Overall, I disliked last night's show for many reasons and gave my opinion as to why. This chat is over as far as I'm concerned.

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Updated On: 12/6/13 at 10:41 PM

Were messages deleted from this thread or what has any of this to do with either Walmart or Stouffer's Lasagna?

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Underwood's acting aside, I genuinely enjoyed it - and I had absolutely nothing to compare it to, having never seen the movie nor a stage production.

NBC gave 3 hours to musical theater - and most of the cast were stage actors. That is a GOOD thing. They should do this with a show every year. It would be WONDERFUL for theater and its fans. Not everyone has the opportunity to see hundreds of shows, or even one show.

PB ENT, you are completely ignorant on the history of this musical. Just fess up and stop trying to justify that you know what you're talking about. You don't.

The plastic version of which you will be able to find...at Walmart! Walmart: Makin' dreams come true!

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Normally I don't respond to bitchy remarks from bitter used-up theater queens like yourself. But I am making an exception. Your remarks are unkind about a production that hundreds of people put countless time and energy into.

This production from the very beginning never pretended to be anything but "The Carrie Underwood Show" she was always the star attraction. And she delivered -- the numbers don't lie -- 18.5 million viewers (about 1.5 million more than NBC guaranteed advertisers). It was always billed as Carrie Underwood starring in The Sound of Music LIVE! The names Rodgers and Hammerstein were not even mentioned in the advertising. None of the other actors appeared above the title. Do you really think this broadcast would have attracted 18.5 million viewers if your precious Laura Osnes, your beloved Anneliese van der Pol, or the overrated Sierra Bogess had been cast in the lead. Carrie's acting chops may not be the greatest but her singing is always amazing and that is why most people watched the show.

This broadcast was meant to appeal to middle America -- anywhere outside of the elitism of NYC, DC and LA -- (a place you obviously know nothing about) which is why Wal Mart was the main sponsor. You may not shop at Wal Mart or eat Stouffer's but middle America does (they also shop at JCPenney, Kohl's, Ross and eat at Luby's, Piccadilly and Chili's and don't think twice about buying a Chevrolet).

In the future you should keep your negativity to yourself. At my viewing party a invited guest brought along an uninvited bitter theater queen (actual quote -- "I was in the first national company of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'" -- which of course made him the know all, end all and be all of the American theater) who spent the entire first 20 minutes until the first commercial break giving a running commentary about everything he hated about the broadcast at which time I looked at him and said "Please save your comments until the show is over. Most of us are trying to enjoy this without your negativity. MY HOUSE MY RULES." He pouted in the corner and crept out after about an hour without thanking me for the meal I served.

Updated On: 12/7/13 at 06:36 PM

I am sorry that this post caused so much controversy. It was not meant to be mean spirited towards anyone. I did not have my facts correct and did not take the time or have the opportunity to research the NBC production facts , but instead compared the NBC production to the film and more recent productions (which I personally wished they had taken that direction).

My references to Walmart & Stouffers may not have been my best choice of words, even if I think the production was overall "community theater quality" with the exception of a few Broadway actors. It was obviously not received in the humor I was intending.

I jumped the gun by foolishly posting this on the BWW msg. board. It's been a very long long time and I'd forgotten how quickly people are judged and crucified here for their opinions and at times lack of good judgement AND perfection. I will ask Rob to review the post for deletion, if he likes and keep my personal opinions far from the BWW board.

Ok, I've taken the heat and the high road on this one and hope others will do the same. Peace!

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Updated On: 12/7/13 at 07:43 PM

PB, if you so enjoyed the show at Walnut, then surely you know that the Mother Abbess and Maria sing "My Favorite Things" and that "Lonely Goatherd" is set in the bedroom. Were you thinking or hoping it was going to be a remake of the film?

Ladies and gentlemen, The Trial of PB Ent has concluded. Charges have been answered, apologies have been given, restitution has been made, demerits have been issued. Demerits that will remain on the accused party's permanent record, which will follow her for the rest of her life.

Court is adjourned.

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Does someone have to take a class to have an opinion of The Sound of Music telecast? It's an opinion, one of many, just like yours and mine.

This thread and all of its angry posts remind me of Walmart, though.

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So let her lose all credibility. I don't think a public hanging was in order. At most, just write it off as ignorant.

And don't read her column.

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