The Making of the Sound of Music is a volume of very modest production values. Published by Routledge Press, it comes in at a skimpy 112 pages and features a sparse, but interesting selection of black and white photos. However, this is a book that should not be judged by its cover because author Max Wilk is able to shed some new light on the history of the legendary stage production and movie version. Wilk, described on the jacket as "one of America's leading theater historians" brings a unique expertise to the oft-told tale behind the creation of the show so saccarine that it's been referred to as The Sound of Mucus. Wilk was in the employ of the theatrical producer who first had the idea of turning the story of the Von Trapp family into a stage production. To his credit, Wilk candidly admits he was not a fan of the show in its first tryouts and advised his boss not to attempt a Broadway opening. Fortunately for his boss, he ignored the advice and doggedly insisted that this play might be loathed by critics but would be red meat to the general public. To his shock, Wilk confesses he was astounded to witness the fanatical audience response on opening night. He still finds the allure and charm of the story to be elusive, but that's what makes his book so highly enjoyable. Wilk knows his facts and presents us with a compelling, dramatic and often amusing story behind the story. Probably nothing illustrates the gap between critics and audience preferences like The Sound of Music does. For the record, we agree that diabetics should give it wide berth, but we're hopelessly hooked on it ourselves - even though the thought of seeing all those "cutesy " nuns isn't one of our favorite habits...pardon the pun. Add this book to your collection - you can read the entire tome in between the commercial breaks of your favorite TV show - and its well worth the time.- Lee Pfeiffer
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