Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long

Combine all the awesomeness of karaōke, movie theater, and costume party. I don’t know about you, but I grew up on Sound of Music. It was one of my first VCR’s. So, going to a sing-​a-​long for this classic film is basically like fulfilling a childhood dream of mine where instead of belting out the lyrics that are permanently etched into my brain with my siblings at home, I can do it in a theater filled with strangers & siblings & friends. Awesome.
Dressing up is optional, but it’s fun! I wore a silly apron and said I was Maria, so it doesn’t have to be anything super elaborate. You can participate in a friendly costume contest before the show and get the thrill of being on the stage with the funny charismatic hosts who do go all out on the costumes. :)
You also get a goody bag of goodies that you can use throughout the movie to participate. Did I mention, audience participation is highly encouraged throughout the movie. Almost like the opposite ambiance of a movie theater because it’s almost rude if you are too quiet. Commentary throughout the whole movie is appreciated. There are lyrics on the screen for those who are not as familiar with the songs. Overall, a super jovial and awesome experience for those who love the movie, semi-​remember the movie, or have never watched it at all.
For 2014, the dates for the Castro for Sound of Music is 12÷5−12÷7! Don’t miss it!

It has been a while since I have written a Unilocal review, but this is well deserving! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about going to the «Sound of Music» Sing Along for a few reasons: 1. I Don’t Sing and 2. I Didn’t really remember the story 3. Why is «The Sound of Music so popular at Christmastime?
I think I saw the movie as a young girl and then fast forwarded past the speaking parts to the songs. wishing I could sing, but no chance of that! …Fast forward to my older years and this was one of the most entertaining things I have seen in San Francisco… Between the people who were dressed up as the characters, the gift bags we received with the props that we had to use, the cues we were given and the really bad singers in the audience — the best part was everyone had an amazing time singing their hearts out — and watching the movie as an adult — there are certain ironies that you will pick up… I am hoping this will be an annual tradition with my friends and for locals and visitors alike!
I have to say — I have overcome my skepticism…1. Anyone can sing along to The Sound of Music at the Castro Theatre (with a good attitude), 2. The story is even better to watch as an adult than as a kid — there are some pretty funny parts. 3. I am still not sure why this is only really shown and publicized at Christmas

ROCKS! Need I say more?
My mom would love this…

I watched The Little Mermaid dozens of times as a little girl, but never like this. Hooray for sing-​alongs!
This was SUCH a fun event. I came here with my sisters and mom for my baby sister’s birthday.
The event organizers did a great job of involving the audience and making it fun. First, we all got these neat little goodie bags with props from the movie — like a gold crown, a fork (aka a «dinglehopper»), fake pearl necklace, bubble blowers and a glow stick (to represent Ariel’s voice when Ursula stole it). Once everyone was seated, the hosts gave everyone instructions on when to use each of the items during the movie. We were also encouraged to make sound effects during certain scenes to make it more fun. There was also a costume contest for adults and kids. The kids were sooo freakin’ adorable — and there was no judging for the kids — all of them were winners and they each got a prize. For the adults, there was a very attractive and well dressed Ariel and Eric couple who won!
Once the show started, the audience sang along to every word. We made sound effects, blew bubbles, and waved our glow sticks in the air! It was a blast. before we knew it, the movie was over. Time flies when you’re having fun.
I absolutely LOVED this event. I felt like I was nine years old again. And the organ player made me feel nostalgic — he played all the great Disney classics befre the movie started.
I encourage kids (of ALL ages) to come to the next sing-​along. That means you too, grown ups!
And in case you’re interested, the next sing-​along will feature the Wizard of Oz. Make sure to get your tickets right when the box office opens because they sell out fast.

My first sing-​a-​long at the Castro Theater this 2010 and it was super fun.
We didn’t get there until 15 minutes before the show, line was long but everyone managed to find a seat. Come early for better seating especially with a big group. We ended up sitting in the first couple rows, but still not a bad set especially in a beautiful theater.
Guests were greeting by tunes from the organist, then a fun costume contest, and good bag rehearsal. Yes that’s right goody bags with props you pull out during the movie.
Other than singing along with the movie (with a huge crowd doing the same), my favorite moments were when we got to use firecrackers during a kissing scene, but other viewers sounded them off during other moments in the movie and when people pulled out flashlights while the Nazis were searching for the family. Awesome props and audience participation.
What a fun and inventive way to watch a movie. I highly recommend. I missed Grease this year, so hopefully will catch it next year. This is why I LOVE sf… only in SF!

This was good but the movie is quite long so a long time to be sitting through the movie. I love the sound of music though, especially Christopher Plummer’s edelweiss scene…(the blu-​ray dvd ruined it for me when they told me they dubbed his voice!!). sometimes you don’t need to know the truth =)

The sing-​a-​longs at the Castro Theatre are the best… and who really can not get happy watching Julie Andrews run across the screen singing «The hills are alive… with the sound of music…»
Thanks to my friend Eric for bringing me along for his birthday last year. Booking the Nazis, hissing at the Baroness, waving white flowers in the air, shooting off champagne bottles… come on, audience participation at its best!

Who wants to sit through a 3-​hour movie at home, when you can watch it on the big screen with 1400 of your new closest friends? And don’t forget the adorable and talented Warren Lubich playing the movie’s score on the organ, pre-​show. I just want to put him in my pocket and take him home with me!
You will never want to watch the Sound of Music any other way.

This was such a fun thing to do!
I first heard of the idea on Will and Grace, and always thought it sounded like fun. So when I heard there was one at the Castro, I knew I couldn’t miss it. And I was not let down.
I was surprised at how popular an event it is. When we got there, there was a line stretching for three blocks The night began with a costume contest. Then the movie started. It was so fun to be able to sing along without feeling self-​conscious. We pretended to know the Latin parts on Morning Hymn, and butchered the high notes on Climb Every Mountain.
In addition to singing, we cheered for Maria, hissed at the Baroness, awwwwed at Gretel, and booed the Nazi’s. It was a great way to experience this classic movie.

My very hetero son is convinced that gay people have more fun, and this reinforced his point of view. A marvelous blend of families, couples of all kinds, and packs of gay males, this was the best clean fun anyone could have sitting in a chair with pants on.
We cheered Maria, booed the Nazis (stupid Nazis!), barked at Rolf, hissed at the Baroness, awwwwed at Gretel, waved things about at appropriate moments, and sang our little hearts out. I did want to apologize to the gentlemen in front of my for my rather lousy voice and disproportionate enthusiasm, but they seemed unfazed. Once again…(damn Pollyanna gene), I found myself puddling up at this huge theater full of people uniting in silly and schmaltzy fun.
Can’t wait til the next one… Music Man… West Side Story… Across the Universe, perhaps? mi, mi, miiiiiiiiiii!!!

I have never seen the Sound of Music *gasp* until my friend & I found out about this Sing-​A-​Long & decided to go see it. Because I want to live in the «Will & Grace» world, I was giddy as hell to be doing the same thing they did in that one episode, only sans costume.
Ah, I remember it well– we went December ’08, walked in with our goodie bags (I had no idea what was in there) & found great seats in the middle of the Castro Theater after waiting in line for a good 45 minutes. People came from far & wide to experience the Sing-​A-​Long; every seat was filled in the theater.
Obviously there were a few *ahem* fans in there who’d been to a half dozen Sound of Music Sing-​A-​Longs & knew what to do & expect with every single scene-​I followed their lead. I barked at Rolph, I boo hissed the baroness, I waved my little plastic flowers while singing «edelweiss.» It was hilarious to see people actually dressed up & getting into the spirit of things and funny to hear people in the audience yelling, «Hide, Maria! Hide!» so dramatically.
It was a freakin hoot & I’m so glad I got to experience it with such an enthusiastic audience. I usually save my singing for the shower where no one else can hear me, but I could not help but belt out «i am sixteen going on seventeen/​i know that i’m naïve…» right along with Liesel. Everyone (myself included) was obviously feeling the holiday spirit. I had such a fun time & look forward to doing it again.

Back in 1990 I played Gretyl (awwww…) in the Lawrence Welk Resort Theater’s production of the Sound of Music. Hence, I know the whole damn thing by heart forwards and backwards… From the Do Re Mi to the trek over the mountain. So when an opportunity presents itself where I can go sing along with it and yell things at the screen, OH HELL YES. I am there.
Why attend?
*goodie bag of props to wave around (like Edeilweiss)
*They put the words on the screen for ya!
*bitchy queens yelling at the nazis
*costume contests
*barking at Rolf
*singing with other musical dorks like yourself!
*the feeling that you are somehow part of an awesome yet ridiculous cult
The only bad thing? I realized just how LONG the damn movie was. ouch.

The Sing-​A-​Long Sound of Music was shown during the holidays at the Castro Theatre.
Growing up with this musical, the storyline and the songs are very much ingrained in me. So much so that I embraced the chance to sing with others the many songs I’ve loved over the years. Seeing the Sound of Music for the umpteenth time, the one thing this experience has over seeing it on TV:
You get to see the Sound of Music on a large movie screen.
There is nothing like seeing the beautiful city of Salzburg and its surrounding countryside. From the Salzburg castle, to the rolling hills, and the mansion, it’s really breathtaking on the big screen. The subtitles only appear with each song to help guide the audience in the sing-​a-​long. The movie is 4 hours long with intermission.
Much to my surprise there was a handful of people seeing the musical for the first time. You can buy tickets online or at the theatre, but be advised you can save on admission by buying tickets at the theatre (no service fees). The show is guaranteed good time for everyone. The Sing-​A-​Long Sound of Music is great fun during the holidays!

Do a deer a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun, me a name I call myself… you know the rest of the words.
Thanks Dave K for taking me to my first Sing Along movie. I didn’t really know want to expect but I knew it was going to be fun. I enjoyed watching the Sound of Music but never in a pack movie theater with people dress in costumes and yelling out comments through out the movie. It seems so wrong to do that during the movie but was very welcomed here. All the comments made were so funny which made the movie even more enjoyable. Plus they gave each movie goer a goodie bag with items you can use during the movie when they sang a particular song/​scene.
I know Dave had a roaring good time, since all I can hear is all his high notes and his insane laughing. I myself enjoyed it alot and it was quite the experience. If you have never gone, it is good to go experience it. Alot of fun and a great night of entertainment.

Entering the Castro Theatre, I didn’t expect to see as many people who loved the Sound of Music as much as me. But alas, there are thousands of us lurking in the city :).
The costume contest before the movie was awesome (especially the dude dressed as Re/Ray…a drop of golden sun: D). When the audience cheered for Maria and hissed at the Baroness, it reminded me of being at a football game. It was all giggles when everyone tried to sing the Latin verses. And I loved how the theatre gave us party poppers, which people popped at «appropriate» moments during the movie :).
A word to the wise: buy your tickets in advance and get to the theater early to get a good seat.
A must for anyone who is a Sound of Music fan!

I can never watch the Sound of Music ever again. EVER. The Sing-​A-​Long has ruined the movie forever… Seriously, without a thousand screaming, singing, frolicking, witty fans, the movie alone will never be the same.
I took my mom here as her Christmas present (after pedicures and dinner at 2223), and had an amazing time. I knew from these reviews that it would be fun and interactive, but I had no idea it would be like THIS.
Without giving away too much, I will share that my favorite part is the first few moments of the film, when the audience is «directing» the camera to find Maria. When we spotted her on the hillside, the theater went crazy (and I a mean standing up, screaming, stomping their feet hysteria) and I KNEW this would be a good time.
Unfortunately, they announced before the costume contest (yes, people dress in character!) that there are no sing-​a-​longs on the schedule right now. They encouraged people to e-​mail the theatre and request more sing-​a-​longs (they also do The Little Mermmaid and Dreamgirls). They think they may do a Mamma Mia one this summer.
If you love the Sound of Music or just love acting like a fool with hundreds of other people who do too, you MUST do this Sing-​A-​Long.

700 reviews! Silly of me to write a review about the Castro Theatre and not about SOMSAL, the only thing I’ve been to at this theatre.
I first went in 1999 with my friend Tammy and we had an absolute blast. I finally went again in 2006 with a bunch of Korean friends and although it was a bit esoteric for the fobbier ones, we all still had a great time.
If you’ve lived in or around SF for any length of time, you have no excuse not to see this. Anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to say and do while watching Sound of Music, now you can with a wild bunch of people who have neither inhibitions nor shame.
There’s nothing funnier than hearing hundreds of people hiss at the Baronness, pretend to sing in German, harmonize in falsetto, and sing the most cacaphonus a cappella you can imagine. I know they show this movie on TV every year not unlike It’s a Wonderful Life, but you will throughly enjoy this and never look at the movie the same way again once you’ve seen it this way.

You have to do this once. This is one of the funnest things I have ever experienced in San Francisco. Absolutely hysterical. If nothing else, the Castro Theatre rocks and is looking pretty spiffy these days after its marquis face-​lift from the «Milk» filming. Seeing any film here is a great time in and of itself.
My sister dug out the dirndl she made for German class, I put on my nun costume and my dad slicked back his hair and tried to look as «Captain Von Trapp» as possible. We get down to the Castro and front is swarming with nuns, nazis, sailor suits and guitar-​toting Marias in straw-​brimmed hats.
They kick off the whole event with a costume contest (the «Lonely Goat Turd» was the big winner) and give you participating instructions. When the Baronness either comes on the screen or says something saucy, everyone hisses. You boo the nazis when they show up. Whenever ‘lil Gretel says something cute, the audience responds with «AWWWW.» Every song has the words running along the bottom, including the Latin hymns sung by the nuns. Also, the audience is more than welcome to climb on stage during the show and interact with the film. One Maria pretended to get hit by Captain von Trapp’s car.
Don’t want to spoil anything further, but rest assured The Castro + musical + costumes + audience participation will not disappoint. The night we attended, the actress who played Liesl sat in right in our row!

This is the third time to see the Sound of Music Sing-​A-​Long. Yes, third time. I heart this musical, and I heart singing it with a group of 500+ people and experiencing this musical as it should be: sung at the top of your lungs, with people heckling and screaming innuendo about «Uncle Max» and the Baroness and at the silliest of moments in the movie. I’m a singer, so any time that I can belt any song during a public performance and not get kicked out is well worth my time, and in this case, a whole $ 15.
Every time I go to this event, I feel a hundred times better, and a little bit hoarse because I’ve been singing about a needle pulling thread, climbing every mountain, the hills being alive, and sixteen going on seventeen. Whoever came up with this concept is pure genius, and is actually a lot of fun to experience no matter how young or old you are.

See my Castro Theater Review for the SOM Sing a Long, ¹¹⁄₂₃.
Bottom Line… way fun!