By Amy Lipson
20 Nov 2009

A host of theatre artists took part in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, Nov. 16 at the Barnes & Noble at Broadway and 66th Street in Manhattan.

Finian's Rainbow star Kate Baldwin (who was a Maria von Trapp at the Muny in St. Louis) performed the musical's title tune. Those in attendance also included members of the original Broadway cast of Sound of Music, including Theodore Bikel (who played Capt. Von Trapp, and sang "Edelweiss") and Lauri Peters (Liesl) and Brian Davies (Rolf). Sam von Trapp, the grandson of the real Baroness Maria von Trapp, was part of the event as well. Also present were Mary Rodgers (daughter of composer Richard Rodgers); Anna Crouse (widow of co-author Russel Crouse); Ted Chapin, president of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization; and Laurence Maslon, author of "The Sound of Music Companion."

Here is a look at the celebration:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Brian Davies and Lauri Peters Photo by Aubrey Reuben

The 5 PM event also celebrated the special 50th anniversary edition of the musical's original cast recording, which was released on the Masterworks Broadway label Nov. 3.