Springfield to come alive with Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music


HOW TO GO

What: Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 South Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.

Admission: Adults $20; student ticket (ages 22-under) $10; group discounts for 20 or more also available

More info: 328-3874 or go to www.springfieldartscouncil.org/singalong

Talking during the movie is one of the cardinal sins of the cinema-going experience.

The Springfield Arts Council wants you to not just talk but sing, dress up and interact when it presents the Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

“It will be a great, family-friendly experience,” said Sarah Michelson, Springfield Arts Council business manager.

Michelson said this event goes beyond a normal performance, encouraging the audience to become part of the show, by offering interactive experiences. Think of it as a less rowdy version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show; you can bring your kids and grandmother.

This special event encourages the audience to dress as their favorite Sound of Music characters or even something symbolic from the film.

The von Trapps, Maria and nuns are some of the choices Michelson said attendees come dressed as. And she knows of one woman who will wear a white dress with a blue satin sash, which Maria sings of in “My Favorite Things.”

Participants can join a parade or costume contest and sing and act out scenes during the showing of the beloved 1965 classic, which won the Oscar for Best Picture that year. The Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music has been a popular attraction across the country for several years.

If you’re out of curtains for costumes, the Arts Council’s costume shop has rentals available, which several people have already taken advantage of, Michelson said.

Doors open at 6 p.m. An emcee will host the costume parade and contest with prizes for the best, and attendees will be given goody bags with surprise interactive pieces for use throughout the film, which begins afterward.

Lyrics for the songs will appear on the screen. You may already know the songs by heart and can recite the dialogue, but until you’ve experienced it this way, you haven’t seen what The Sound of Music can do, according to Michelson:

“It’s a different way to experience a classic. We’re excited to see how it goes.”

This event will be a fundraiser for the Springfield Arts Council, with proceeds going to support the many shows and programs, including the Summer Arts Festival.

Tickets are available for less than many performances and group rates are available. The Arts Council’s Facebook page is also running Sound of Music trivia contests to be entered into a drawing for free tickets.

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