Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music

The world’s favourite musical hit Sydney recently. lastminute lovely Louise warmed up her vocal chords for a unique fairytale experience.

Long ago in a land far, far away (England) there lived a little girl (me) that was OBSESSED by all things Sound of Music.

Family road trips were spent, or if more accurately described by my parents endured, singing the musicals full score. I enjoyed rainy afternoons prancing around a homemade stage pretending to sew, a needle pulling thread. And don’t even get me started about my love notes to Rolf (the hunky German telegram boy for those unfamiliar with the movie).

Hit fast forward twenty years and my dreams of becoming a stage actress have been dashed (what?!) and I work at the very fabulous travel and lifestyle company lastminute.com.au in Sydney.

On one very special day I learn that the Von Trapps are coming to town; and by that I mean that the State Theatre is hosting a Sing-along-a Sound of Music screening complete with dress-up, audience participation and of course a full on sing song.
Yes, you heard it, my fairytale was being brought to life.

The evening kicks off with our MC setting out the premise for the evening. Everyone’s been given a bag of tricks including a sprig of Edelweiss, a party popper and a piece of curtain material. We have a group vocal warm up and are taught some accompanying actions. For example hissing the Baroness and wolf-whistling the dashing Captain Von Trapp whenever they’re on screen. It’s totally camp and hilarious.

But before the show commences members of the audience in dress-up are invited to grace the stage for a costume competition. Cue: goat herders, gaggles of nuns, brown paper packages tied up with string and girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. But my personal favourite was an 85 year old lady dressed as bridal Maria in a full wedding dress – GOLD!

With the audience in high spirits (the open bar may have had an extra little something to do with this) the lights are dimmed and we’re away.

The wrap-up
Sing-along-a Sound of Music is a feel good theatrical experience that’ll have you high fiving your neigbour. It’s a pantomime for adults and kids alike.

So whether you’re a die-hard Fraulein Maria fan or someone who likes to shake up their social scene, with an unusual, yet hilarious night out, this screening is for you. And for me, I’ve learnt that (fairytale) dreams can come true. Cue the music….

“So long, farewell…”