Oregon Public Broadcasting

Haven't you ever secretly wished you could sing in a major motion picture musical?

At 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, you'll have your chance. Wear your peasant blouse and lace-up vest, WWII German Army uniform, wool cape or Lederhosen and sing your heart out at "The Sound of Music Sing-Along," presented by the Astoria International Film Festival and the Liberty Theater

The singalong celebrates the 45th anniversary of the 1965 movie musical that won five Academy Awards, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein have become international classics, including "EdelweissSixteen Going On SeventeenDo Re Mi" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain

Audiences around the world have discovered the fun of singing their hearts out along with Maria, the Captain, the nuns and the Von Trapp children. Don't know all the words? Don't worry – you'll be able to read the lyrics as subtitles throughout the show.

And it's not just dressing like the characters that makes "The Sound of Music Sing-Along" so irresistible. Be creative! Bring props such as jam and bread. Make a costume that will have your fellow audience members guessing – a brown paper package tied up with string, perhaps? Get ready to scream as your rowboat tips over and boo and hiss at the haughty Baroness.

The Sound of Music" won five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Score and Best Film Editing. It also received two Golden Globe Awards for Best Picture, musical or comedy, and Best Actress in a musical or comedy.

The film became the first feature to surpass 1939's "Gone with the Wind" as the biggest moneymaker in movie history. According to www.the-sound-of-music-guide.com, the movie is credited as being the film that saved 20th Century Fox, after high production costs and low returns for "Cleopatra" (made in 1963) nearly bankrupted the studio. Fox sold tickets in advance for a higher price than normal. This system worked to their advantage, creating excitement for the film's general release. "The Sound of Music" movie became the longest-running and top grossing film in many theaters.

"The Sound of Music Sing-Along" is the perfect interactive theater choice for all ages. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Liberty Theater Box Office, 1203 Commercial St., from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and two hours prior to curtain.

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