A Few of Our Favorite Things: Primary Sources Related to The Sound of Music

Hammerstein II wrote and produced their final collaboration, The Sound of Music, which became a theatrical chestnut both on stage and on screen.The treasured musical tells the story of postulant Maria Rainer, who discovers that her true vocation lies not within the walls of the abbey but in her love for the widowed Captain von Trapp and his children.Together with book writers Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, Rodgers and Hammerstein began work in January 1959 and, ten months later, attended the show's Broadway premiere, starring Mary Martin as Maria, on November 16, 1959.Now, the Library of Congress and the national touring company of The Sound of Music have created a first-ofits-kind collaboration: "Inside the Vault," with traveling and virtual displays that provide a rare look at the creation of one of the most beloved musicals of all time.Drawn from the Library's unparalleled collections, "Inside the Vault" (online at https://soundofmusicontour.com/learn-more/) features facsimiles of music and lyric sketches, correspondence, and papers from Rodgers, Hammerstein, and others whose work shaped the musical.These materials also reflect the personal relationships and artistic collaboration that defined the making of The Sound of Music and can serve as powerful teaching tools."Inside the Vault" invites audiences to explore original archival materials that reveal how the show's iconic songs were conceived, developed, and brought to life.A rich multimedia experience-including video, printed banners, and digital resources-highlights the creative process behind six legendary musical numbers: "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss," "My Favorite Things," "So Long, Farewell," and "The Sound of Music."The materials are being made available to audiences through dozens of theaters nationwide during the touring engagements, with lobby displays that provide an educational experience for patrons before and after performances (Figures 1 and 2).The national tour of The Sound of Music is also partnering with local schools and libraries to present the display ahead of the tour's arrival (Figures 3 and 4).A panel on the "Inside the Vault" website and a sevenminute video on the Library's YouTube channel (https:// youtu.be/egO0zjBNSQg)explore a fascinating example of song development for "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."Mother Abbess sings this inspirational song to Maria to help her discover what's most important to her. Martin introduced Sister Gregory, an exuberant Dominican nun and theater professor at Rosary College in Illinois, to The Sound of Music creative team as an adviser on religious