The Sound of Music Sing-Along

Don’t ask me how or when, but I have memorized every single word to every single song in The Sound of Music. It started with my one-line solo in an elementary school rendition of “My Favorite Things.” Later, a friend and I later rewound a VHS tape (remember them?) over and over until we had mastered Julie Andrews’ inflection on the yo-deh-lay-hee-hoo from the puppet show scene. Still later came my first kiss (Brendan from the basketball team, my crush for years), and I finally understood Liesl’s nutso shriek after she and Rolfe lock lips at the end of “16 Going on 17.” And eventually I became savvy enough to understand the 1965 movie musical’s dark undercurrents—the Nazi occupation of Austria. When Captain Von Trapp (the stately Christopher Plummer) chokes up on “Edelweiss,” it’s not just a cute little tune, but something profoundly heartbreaking. As I gradually mastered the lyrics from Richard Rodgers’ and Oscar Hammerstein’s immortal score, my family and friends refused to watch it with me any more. They, cruel people, thought I should sit quietly, in silence, while my heart soared mountain-high with Maria’s. But apparently I’m not alone. This sing-along version of the film—with lyrics projected on screen, to aid your memory—has become a touring sensation. Better still, fans can bring props and even enter the costume contest. I know what I’m wearing. (G) LAURA ONSTOT

Sat., Jan. 1, 1 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 2, 1 p.m., 2011