Casting Scoop: The Sound of Music

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Happy, mad, curious or outraged, a live re-make, re-boot, “inspired by” (whatever it may be!) production of The Sound of Music is happening this winter.casting scoop: the sound of music

Casting Scoop: The Sound of Music. Sharing the big casting news for NBC's live production of the timeless classic. All text is © Rissi JC

First the NBC special made the annocuement it had cast the talented Grammy winner Carrie Underwood to play the iconic role of Maria, now we have learned who she will play opposite in the role of Von Trapp. The news of this is news that’s been around for a few days but in case it’s something you were missing, the role goes to Stephen Moyer. Known for his role in a vampire show, the British actor has also starred on Broadway, so perhaps he has a voice…? Being unfamiliar with his credits – both screen and stage, I have no opinion one way or the other. I am curious about him playing this iconic role though.

Here’s what the EW article says:

True Blood star Stephen Moyer has been cast in NBC’s live holiday production of The Sound of Music.

Moyer will portray World War I hero and single father Capt. Georg Von Trapp, who is living in Austria on the cusp of World War II. He falls for his governess, Maria (Carrie Underwood), who he hires to take care of his children.

The three-hour production is scheduled for Dec. 5 and will be based on the original 1959 Broadway production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

Moyer has musical experience from his days working in London theater and recently appeared in a staging of Chicago at the Hollywood Bowl.

Casting Scoop: The Sound of Music. Sharing the big casting news for NBC's live production of the timeless classic. All text is © Rissi JC

Only thing left to announce is the children! Cannot wait to find out who will fill those shoes. Until then, what do you think about this casting? Or the production in general – one that the rumor mill says will “honor Broadway over big screen”? Are you for it, against it, or have you warmed up to the idea?

Any thoughts are welcome!

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

49 comments

    1. With me, I am going to give this one a chance because it's set to be a stage (live) production instead of film. Or that is my impression and I've read it billed that way. So here's to a cautious optimism.

      That being said, I get your skepticism, Kristin in regards to the casting. Carrie is a dynamic vocalist but in terms of acting? All I can do is hope for the best. :)

  1. I'm not sure what to think of this, being completely unfamiliar with Stephen Moyer's acting or singing skills. (Interestingly though, Christopher Plummer never sang for his role as the Captain.) As for Carrie Underwood, she's fine, but not who I'd initially see as a Maria. Still, this is all rather exciting. Especially the casting for the children!

    By the way, I love your latest blog layout!

    1. AGREED! You bring up some excellent points, Jemimah. With this being a stage production rather than film, I think this could be a great production. Here's to cautiously optimistic expectations! :)

      Thanks! Much as I love switching things up in the design, when it's a drastic change, I always hold my breath that it will be user friendly. :)

  2. D= Sorry, I'm like Kristin, I'm against remaking classics that are already iconic and perfect (minus stage productions lol). I don't know if you remember this but a few years ago there was that rumour circulating around that JLo and Marc Anthony were going to remake Casablanca starring them–boy did I rage, lol. Thank goodness that never happened

    *knocks on wood anyways*

    1. No apologies, Lianne – I get your hesitation. For me, I can appreciate putting a new spin on old classics same as I still admire the oldies so I will admit to being giddy when reading about these types of things. That being said, hopefully with this being a stage production instead of film, fans will be open to giving this one a chance.

      Ugh! Already I am not the biggest fan of Casablanca (don't hate me ;D) but heavens! That casting wouldn't have endeared it any more.

      I'll second that "knock on wood"! :)

    2. (Aww, drats, I accidentally closed this screen and lost my original comment, lol! I'm so all over the place today xP)

      Anyways, I think I should revise my earlier statement since it seems I can accept certain remakes/new adaptations depending (case in point the P&P 2005; the 1995 is pretty solid and still considered the classic). But I apparently it flew over my head when I read your entry that this is not a traditional adaptation but rather a live broadcast so haha, my D= was unfounded xP

      lol, no worries, that proposed adaptation for Casablanca would've definitely turned a whole new generation off to that movie/story. In my head that and a few others should never be even considered for a remake…ever xP

    3. (Aw, so sorry, Lianne – I hate it when those things happen. I've been there; I get a perfectly good comment written than my Internet page decides to "quit working" or I close the page and *poof* the comment is gone. Ugh! It's infuriating.)

      Not at all! Sometimes even the thought of a "re-make" even in the loosest sense floors fans. I've been there. I've raged before though usually by the time it rolls around, I am all for it. Usually. (Guess that's just my personality…?) In this case, the "live" aspect should prove interesting and it sounds like it may be fun!

      'Tis true. The Sound of Music is still all kinds of classic. Thinking of it being remade is… weird.

      To be fair, watching Casablanca a second time should make my list. I like the setting and of course, the atmosphere… it's just the whole movie fell a little flat for me. Perhaps I'll blame it on my happy-ever-after self. ;)

  3. Okay, are you deliberately trying to stir up debate? First with Pride & Prejudice and now with The Sound of Music?! :)

    It might be neat to see a new version, but the classic is still the classic. I don't think Carrie has much of a chance against Julie's vocals. Is she going to change her country twang into a British accent? And what is she going to do when the Captain is hanging out with the Baroness? Dig her keys into the side of his pretty little souped up 4-wheel drive? Carve her name into his leather seats? :)

    1. Moi!? Start a debate!? Never! ;)

      In all seriousness, Kerry I've got awesome readers and commenters – we disagree sometimes, yes but it stirs up some fun conversation and we all respect each other's opinion. I posted this because I'd shared way back when about Carrie's being cast. Had to share about Von Trapp, too.

      In all honesty, some singers can ditch their twang – not sure if Carrie can or will (hope so!) but I know vocalists can adopt twang same as they can erase any trace of it from their vocals. Ha! Aren't you clever – love how you incorporated those popular lyrics. ;)

  4. Say whaaaat?! I have not even heard of this. I do not know what to think. Carrie can act and has a beautiful singing voice. Stephen Moyer I know is originally from London, I believe…but he can not pull of a southern accent. I may watch it to see what it is like, but there is nothing that will replace the original.

    1. I know, right!? :)

      No, nothing will be likely to replace the original but since this NBC event is going to be a stage production perhaps it won't try to. We can only hope. That being said, I am crazy excited about it though am not sure what to think of the British Moyer in the role of Von Trapp. Right now, I've much more confidence in Carrie. :)

  5. Yeah, I'm not sure about this. It sounds like it will be a made-for-TV mediocre remake, but I'll still probably watch it. I'm surprised it's actually coming out Dec. 5th of this year. That seems so soon.

    1. In reality it's going to be a live stage version, Hope. Sooo… it's more stage production than film. Rehearsals are supposed to begin soon, which will hopefully lead to some promotional material these next few months. :)

  6. Well, at least it's not exactly a movie. . .is it?

    When I first saw this, I was like, "Whaaaaaaaat?" and then I was like, "They shouldn't remake a classic!" and then I was like, "But I wondered when they were going to."

    Like Kristin ^^ up there, I'm not a Carrie Underwood fan. :P And in my own opinion, she just doesn't have the voice needed to play Maria. You need a voice like Julie Andrews's: clean, operatic soprano with none of the "modern sound" in it.

    1. You pegged it, Hannah – nope, it's more stage production than film. It's going to be "live" which will eliminate lip-synching. The cast will be singing without benefit of studio recordings. This could be VERY good or very bad.

      I'm excited about this! It could be very fun and good and entertaining. I'm the kind of girl who can enjoy re-makes or re-boots or whatever term you want to use; I can appreciate both for their pros and unique perspectives, and can be critical of the bad.

      See, I love Carrie's voice but I do know what you and Kristin are saying. I've heard artists "change" their voices – particularly in country so we'll see what comes of it. :)

    2. Country artists tend to really adopt or lose that "twang." Some songs can sound really twang-y, others not so much. Not sure if I've experienced that with Carrie, although others, for sure. I cannot recall if you commented on the post here that talked about Carrie being cast(?) but if not, check that out – there's a video of her singing 'The Hills are Alive' and she sounds really good.

  7. I think it's interesting, but I'm not a fan. The Sound of Music is one of those classics that should not be remade – why improve perfection? Plus like the others said, unless Carrie changes her country twang, her voice is all wrong for Maria.

    I guess I wouldn't mind so much if this was a concert version of the Broadway show, I just don't like the idea of it being a new MOVIE.

    1. Keep an open mind, Alexandra! Like Ella said, this is going to be more of a Broadway version than film story wise (my apologies for not making that clearer in my post – I now have edited that) – plus being "live" will definitely give it that "stage" feel.

      If history is any indication, singers can "change" their voice. I've heard artists adopt twang where there was previously none. Either way, it will be a fun night of viewing methinks. :)

  8. This is NOT a remake…….it's inspired by the Broadway musical. Not sure how it is different, but apparently it is. Even Carrie Underwood said that when on Good Morning America recently.

    So, you know me, I love Carrie. I'm going to give her a chance. She did an admirable job singing the title track years ago…..Stephen Moyer, I don't know anything about, but apparently, he can sing.

    I have nothing going on December 5th; my shows will be on hiatus anyway. So of course I will watch….and pray it is not a trainwreck

    1. …well, re-boot, "inspired by," what have you, it's going to be, generally the same concept, right…? *crosses fingers* Or that is what I've read – Carrie has been quoted as saying she isn't going to try and re-invent Julie Andrew's portrayal of Maria… so like you I'll be eager to find out what is different! Hadn't read that there were differences in the Broadway vs. film productions but hey, I am all for some differences – plus with it being "live," I am even more curious. Bring on December! ;)

      Neither do I – other than him being a primary in True Blood which I DO NOT watch, Moyer's credits aren't familiar ones. That being said, the big question is: can he sing!? Hope so. Of course, we know Carrie can sing (she's a grand talent) so I am hopeful she'll be brilliant.

      Ooo! Me, too! Going to pencil this date on my calendar because yep, I am ticked pink to watch this on. ;)

      Great thoughts, Ella – thanks for sharing about those differences! I'd not seen that interview. But it's good to know. :)

    1. Yay! Glad for that, Juju – just by his looks, I think Moyer can pull this off. Hoping so anyway. ;)

      Happy to share – it's been floating around for a few days but since I'd shared about Carrie being cast, I thought, why not!? :)

  9. This could be interesting. I love Carrie Underwood's voice, though not sure what kind of actress she is. (Sorry Carrie but it was hard to watch you in 'Soul Surfer') : ) 'Sound of Music' is one of my all time favorite musicals and that's mainly because of Julie Andrews and the rest of the cast.

    I'm excited to see this though, I never get tired of the beautiful music from this film. My youngest daughter and I often listen to the soundtrack on the way to school. She's a lover of musicals so we listen to a lot of soundtracks!

    1. I'm excited and curious, Cathy! This could be very good. :)

      I read somewhere that Carrie didn't want to re-invent – or "mimic" the role that Julie Andrews set the precedence for so that shall be interesting to see come to life. It sounds like Carrie wants to be her own version of the iconic character. Plus it's more Broadway than big-screen or even film so that will help, too.

      You know, I didn't mind Carrie in Soul Surfer because her role was so minor. That being said, considering this role is more in line with Carrie's field – i.e., singing in front of live audiences, I'll be interested to see how she does. :)

      Me, too! Love the music and if nothing else, we'll get to hear that all over again in brand-new recordings (thinking I WANT the album already!) – plus we all know Carrie can sing so there will be that. :)

  10. I hadn't heard that there was going to be a remake! I'm kinda still in shock. Provided the actors can sing and they look close to right I think it'll be a nice movie to watch. The original will always be my favorite I'm sure though. I think Carrie looks right and I think she'll probably do a really good job :D I just love her voice. As to Captain Von Trapp…I'm just not so sure haha.

    1. I guess, this is going to be based more on the Broadway version which is a bit different. But, still, I think the integrity of the story will remain the same – plus there was already the plan in place that this would be a "live" adaptation instead of a film. That does make a difference. :)

      Me, too, Sara! HUGE fan of Carrie's so while I shall reserve judgment on her acting, I know she'll rock all these songs – her voice is brilliant. :)

      I'm a bit skeptical about Moyer as Von Trapp. We shall see! ;)

  11. I haven't heard anything about this but it looks interesting… Wonder what it'll be like. I also wonder if Carrie Underwood will chop her hair to be like Julie Andrews? =)

    1. I'm betting against the chopping of her hair. ;)

      It does look interesting, Evelyn! Cannot wait to start seeing promotional material. Now that will be telling. :)

    1. Cool! Glad you are excited, Carlyn. :)

      You know since it's going to be a live version – more stage than film, I think it will be wonderful. Oh that's my expectation of it.

  12. Dunno. I LOVE live theater (even if this technically isn't unfolding on a stage in front of me) so it could be cool. But can the dude from True Blood live up to my childhood crush?

    1. Good question, girl! You know, I don't love or hate the casting of Moyer – and I suspect I won't form a "for sure" opinion until it unfolds in my living room. Anxious to see what comes of it. :)

      Love the idea of this being a stage production. Or I do now.

    2. I like live theater too. Not so much live-on-television theater, but actually BEING at a stage performance. Still, if you can't be there, filming it on stage is awesome. It was incredible for Phantom of the Opera. So this could be very good.

      Moyer is attractive in his own way — but we'll see if he can be Captain Crankypants. ;)

    3. I didn't see anything live this summer but last year, we went to four or five shows (all more local than "big-time") and each were fun in their own way. Always am impressed by local talent.

      This could either be very good or very bad. Hope it's the former.

      Ha! Love that – to pull of Captain Crankypants, you have to have just the right attitude. Here's hoping Moyer does. ;)

  13. Part of me cringes at the thought of someone trying to 're-do' The Sound of Music. It's such a classic, and I grew up watching it, so…
    But the other half of me is excited to see what they can do with it:) I'm not a huge fan of Carrie Underwood. She has a good voice…I just don't like it. And I don't like her music. I hope her country style doesn't come through in the SoM songs…it just wouldn't work.
    I've never seen True Blood, so can't say what I think of Stephen Moyer as the Captain. I think he looks like he can pull off the stern Captain look well, though:)

    1. Right there with you, Raquel regarding your comments on Moyer. Never seen True Blood and DO NOT wish too. Perhaps he'll morph into the "perfect" Von Trapp though.

      Yay! I like your enthusiasm despite the reservations. I hope Carrie doesn't "ruin" this production for you – I know, sometimes that can be very hard to overcome.

  14. Agree that it's tough to remake the most perfect classic ever made….but I'll watch out of curiosity! I don't listen to Country music but Carrie was great in Soul Surfer!

    1. I like that, Kristine – watching something out of curiosity is something I'll admit to having done in the past. It's fun that way. :)

      For the role she played, Carrie did a nice in Soul Surfer. Agreed. As for her music, country music fans have a rare talent in her. She may not be as strong on writing her own tunes but vocally, she's an awesome singer. :)

  15. I for one am curious. I love the movie version of the Sound of Music, but I'm not a big purist with regards to this story. Funny enough, when I was on holiday in Salzburg, the city where the Sound of Music takes place and was also partly filmed, I heard most German speaking people have actually never seen the 'American' Sound of Music movie, because they've got 3 (!) German versions for themselves to choose from!

    I recently watched Stephen Moyer play a gentleman (and very good too) in Lilies, so apart from the singing, I think he's a good choice for Captain Von Trapp

    1. Ditto – that's my buzz word, too, Birdie. Curiosity. I think this production could go either way – really good or bad. No matter, I do think it'll be a fun time. :)

      Hmm… that's an interesting bit of trivia you picked up from your travels. Never knew there were 3 German versions. Huh.

      Ooo! You've seen Lilies? I thought about it once upon a time but never did see it. Glad he can play the gentleman and will look forward to seeing him take on Von Trapp! :)

    2. Oh, my goodness! Birdie!!! How did I miss this reply. So sorry…

      Thanks for letting me know about Lillies. I've been curious about it but haven't had a chance to see it. Yet. ;)

  16. I think Carrie will do a great job in sound of music ,so what if they make her chop her hair short .a lot of actresses cut their hair for movies .its not like their asking her to shave her head .i m sure she will look great with short hair .love her music .your fan jeremy

    1. True, many actresses do cut their locks for a role. We'll find out once production photos start popping up. If the promotional poster in any indication, she won't be cutting it short.

      Thanks for dropping by, Jeremy.

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