THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE from the UK on PBS

I did. I actually didn't care for it that much. Will definitely give them credit for the camera work and set design. But, it kind of felt lifeless and kind of dark. I understand that the story does have dark elements, but too many things just seemed more serious in tone. I'm talking about scenes with Maria and the kids. Then again, I do think the kids were the weak part of this production.

And I will say, I probably am in the group of fans who does think the movie is better. So, maybe that also is another reason this wasn't as enjoyable as I hoped.

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I enjoyed seeing a different production of this show. I like the idea that the proper Brits thought this much of the musical that received criticism in the U.S. for being too saccharine. In the first half Maria seemed a little short on the charisma necessary to bring around all those kids. I'm sure that it's not easy to play Julie Andrews. think that the scenes showing Maria winning over the children and finally resulting in the tear-jerking conversion of their father could have been fleshed out a bit more.

I'm in complete agreement with you about the restoration of the two songs of Max and the Baroness. Witty, adult lyrics set to bouncy Rodgers' melodies, they contrast nicely with all the family songs, which tend towards the sentimental. But since the film did cast Julie Andrews we will forgive it for dropping the songs.

I watched it a couple of times over the weekend,even though I had seen it before. I think it's a good production. It does seem lifeless in some scenes, but I believe it's because ITV approached it as a period drama instead of a theatrical piece like the NBC version. It's like Downton Abbey meets Rodgers & Hammerstein. Also, this version heightens the political aspects of the story, even going as far as adding a scene where the Captain is listening to the radio in his study and the speaker on the radio is talking in a harsh German tone (maybe Adolf Hitler?). Additionally, this version used actual footage and newsreel of the Anschluss.

My only qualm about this version is that they had to cut down some lyrics and cut some lines because of time. I guess ITV only allotted a two hour time slot for this production (2 1/2 if you count commercials). The NBC version did the full show without hardly any cuts.

Also, I wish one of the live productions would've used An Ordinary Couple.