The Sound of Music was the last--and most successful--collaboration of two giants of the musical theater, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Enjoying a long run on Broadway and then transformed into a major hit film--recently reissued in a 40th anniversary edition on DVD with new footage--The Sound of Music remains among the most produced musicals by professional and amateur companies around the world.

This book tells the full story of the making of the show, from the first rough ideas through the tryouts, fine tuning, and eventual triumph--all from an eyewitness to the events themselves. Wilk brings a musical theater historian's eye to the work, along with his passionate involvement as a witness to this history. For anyone and everyone who has ever thrilled to The Sound of Music, this book will be a must.