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 SOAPBOX: The Hills Are Still Alive
I’ve often asked myself why The Sound of Music is so enduring. It’s first and foremost a beautifully crafted film, done with exquisite talent all round. I’m talking about everything—the way it was shot, the quality of sound, the glorious scenery and the beautiful sets. The costumes were lovely, it’s a tremendous story and the music is wonderful. By putting all those ingredients together, some thread or connection came through. I don’t know if it’s any one thing.
Every time I think I have a favorite scene, it moves somewhere else. There are just so many lovely scenes and many, many happy memories, too. It’s part of film history. It gives you a wonderful moment of entertainment and also brings you some classic music. I don’t think Rodgers & Hammerstein’s music will ever fade away.
I don’t get to see it that often, only because of a little thing called “life gets in the way.” But if I do happen to catch it over Christmas or I see that it’s on television and I catch a scene or two, I’m awfully proud to have been associated with it. I’m the lucky lady that got asked to play that great role. I’m very, very grateful.
I know that there are often gay sing-alongs for the movie. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at one! I haven’t yet been available at the time there’s been one going on. Secondly, I’m not quite sure what would happen if I did show up! I wouldn’t want to distract from the screen.
These days I’m happily very busy. I’m directing a musical, which is about to go on tour across the country. I run a children’s-book publishing company with my daughter Emma. I’m struggling with getting my biography written. I’m probably quite a way away from finishing it, but I really am making an effort because I’m way overdue with my publishers. There’s a lot going on, not to mention family and seven lovely grandchildren and things like that. This lady’s very busy.
I think all singing is valid. It depends what it is you’re singing and for whom, really. From grand opera all the way to rock and rap and everything else: it’s all valid. I obviously have personal loves: the musical theater and classical music. There are different voices that require different techniques.
What’s my favorite song to perform? Gosh. How do you sum up a lifetime of singing wonderful music and say, “Well, that one”? There are some that move me very much: very unusual things like Kurt Weill’s “My Ship.” One or two beautiful ballads of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Honestly, once you start thinking about it, I could reach out in a million different directions.
I consider myself very, very lucky. For anyone who wants to make it as a performer, the one thing that I would stress is do your homework. I do believe that those moments of good fortune will probably come your way, but be prepared. Chances are, wonderful things will happen in your career when you least expect them.
When people tell me that my performing career has inspired them, it’s deeply flattering. Even more fulfilling and satisfying than hearing that is hearing that some of my children’s books inspired people to go on reading: that they’re the first books children ever read. To have someone present me with an old copy of a book that I wrote 30 years ago, that they’ve loved and treasured all these years—those things mean a great deal to me.
Oh...my life’s taken turns that have gone beyond my wildest dreams. I never imagined that I would be where I am, doing what I do, and loving it so much. So I’m totally content. As to curiosity and things that I’d still love to do—there’s a ton out there, and not all of it has to do with the stage. I’m just hoping I can accomplish a few more things that really stimulate me.
How could a drag queen capture the essence of Julie Andrews? Oh, gosh, I think you’d have to ask somebody else that! I wish I could give you a really funny and hip answer, and the truth is I can’t! In Victor/Victoria, I played a drag version of myself, a little bit. I think if anything, the British accent is going to cause people the biggest trouble.
I don’t know why I’m considered a gay icon. I’m very grateful to be one, but I have no idea why I am. Truthfully, there are lots of ladies that are, and I think we’re all quite different. I’ve never figured that out. I should ask Instinct’s readers—maybe they can tell me!
The 40th Anniversary DVD edition of The Sound of Music ($26.98, Fox Home Entertainment) is now available.
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