April 2012: The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook

Applause Books to Publish The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook by Fred Bronson in April 2012

The captivating behind-the-scenes story of the film The Sound of Music from the perspective of the seven young actors who starred as the von Trapp children will be available for the first time in North America on April 3, 2012 when Applause Theatre & Cinema Books publishes The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook ($45.00) by television writer and author Fred Bronson. Not only does the book cover the making of the film, but also the lives (before and after the movie) of these seven adults, still referred to as “the kids,” who are all vibrant and active today. Many people look at them and think “If they can grow up successful and happy, so can I!” Now is the chance to share in the lives of the kids we all know.

Through photos, stories, and replicas of memorabilia, this thorough memory book answers the burning questions fans have been asking for years: How did the children learn the songs and dances of the musical numbers? What was it like to attend the gala Hollywood premiere? What were their lives like after starring in this legendary film? How did they become a family in real life, remaining as close as any brothers and sisters for the last 45 years?

The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook contains never-before-seen personal photos and collectables from all seven kids: Charmian Carr, Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath. Pull-out pockets include replicas of Heather’s autograph book, a film costume sketch, Angela’s artwork, Kym’s letter to her father, the official movie poster, a letter from director Robert Wise, a DVD of the kids’ 1964 home movies, and much, much more.

“The kids” will promote the book nationwide, including television and radio, this spring.

Fred Bronson’s extensive television credits include writing the annual American Music Awards and episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He has appeared four times on American Idol as a musical expert and has written biographies of many Idol finalists for their record labels. He is the author of several books, including Dick Clark’s American Bandstand (with Dick Clark) and The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. Follow him on Twitter.