Library of Congress and National Tour of ‘The Sound of Music’ Announce First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration

Library of Congress and National Tour of ‘The Sound of Music’ Announce First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration Traveling and Virtual Display ‘Inside the Vault’ Showcases Materials from Library’s Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Collections In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Library of Congress and the national tour of “The Sound of Music” are presenting “Inside the Vault,” a new traveling and virtual display that offers a rare look at the creation of one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Launching in conjunction with the North American tour of “The Sound of Music,” “Inside the Vault” invites audiences to explore original archival materials from the Library of Congress’ Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II collections that reveal how the show’s iconic songs were conceived, developed and brought to life. A rich multimedia experience – including video, printed materials and digital resources – highlights the creative process behind six legendary musical numbers written by Rodgers and Hammerstein: “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “So Long, Farewell” and “The Sound of Music.” The display and video resources will be made available through dozens of theaters nationwide. “The Library of Congress is proud to collect, preserve and provide access to America’s performing arts heritage,” said Nicholas Brown-Cáceres, acting chief of the Library’s Music Division. “‘The Sound of Music’ is one of our national cultural treasures, and we are thrilled for this opportunity to share a glimpse into the show’s origin story and the work of the Library of Congress with audiences across the country.” “The Sound of Music” Executive Producer Trinity Wheeler shared, “‘The Sound of Music’ is based on the iconic true story of a family whose resilience, courage and incredible love drove them on their journey to the life they imagined. Their story continues to inspire audiences worldwide, and in conjunction with the Library of Congress, we are thrilled to give audiences a deeper understanding of this journey.” Drawn from the Library of Congress’ unparalleled collections, “Inside the Vault” features facsimiles of music and lyric sketches, correspondence and papers from composer Richard Rodgers, lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, and others whose work shaped the musical. These materials also reflect the personal relationships and artistic collaboration that defined the creation of “The Sound of Music” – offering new insight for longtime fans and first-time audiences alike. As part of the initiative, the national tour of “The Sound of Music” will partner with local schools and libraries across North America, presenting the display in advance of each city’s engagement. During the tour’s run, “Inside the Vault” will be displayed in theater lobbies, creating an immersive, educational experience for patrons before and after performances. Members of the touring company recently visited the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., where they viewed items from the collection and learned firsthand about the authors’ creative process and the history behind the musical’s enduring score. In addition to experiencing the display in person, audiences are encouraged to explore the Library of Congress’ extensive digital archives, which make millions of items accessible from anywhere in the world. For more information about the national tour of “The Sound of Music” and a list of upcoming cities, visit soundofmusicontour.com. To learn more about the Library of Congress and explore its collections online, visit loc.gov. About “The Sound of Music” “The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. The 1965 Academy Award–winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and remains one of the most successful and beloved movie musicals of all time. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, the current national tour introduces a new generation of theatergoers to the hills of Austria, celebrating timeless themes of love, resilience, and the power of music. The score includes unforgettable favorites such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and “The Sound of Music.” About the Library of Congress The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States – and extensive materials from around the world – both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.