NBC's "revival" of The Sound of Music might have been a pretty bad idea, and casting Carrie Underwood might have been even worse, but the widely panned television event wasn't bad for everyone.. namely, The Von Trapp Family Lodge.
The original Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, and was inspired by the real-life, singing and dancing Von Trapp family who moved to Vermont from Austria in 1942. Together, the family built a lodge, started taking in boarders, and before long, they were running one of the state's most popular skiing destinations.
Today, the Trapp Family Lodge remains a point of state pride, and the same family that inspired the musical are still in charge, and much like everyone else they didn't like NBC's revival.. not one bit.
"For everyone who thought the whole thing was wonderful and that NBC did a spectacular job, I say maybe your expectations weren't high to begin with," wrote Francois Von Trapp. "If they hoped to have created a new holiday classic, I think they missed their mark."
On a positive note, the live show has revived interest in the family lodge, which has seen an increase in traffic both online and in real life, further proving that any publicity is good publicity.
If you want to check out the Von Trapp Lodge for yourself, the holidays provide a special treat. Aside from the cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and a host of special holiday decorations, the four surviving members of the Von Trapps actually get together with guests to sing carols on Christmas Eve.
Just don't bring Carrie Underwood with you.