FLASH SPECIAL: THE SOUND OF MUSIC Character Cards Series - Christian Borle

Today we are continuing our Flash Special series by focusing a spotlight on another star of the new NBC live TV presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Christian Borle.

That Fascinating Creature

Stage and screen star Christian Borle has recently risen up the ranks with an impressive array of Broadway and TV roles, most importantly his recent 2012 Best Featured Actor In A Play performance in PETER & THE STARCATCHER and in a lead role on NBC's musical theater-based series SMASH, yet one of his trickiest and inexplicably seemingly quite befitting roles arrives this week with the live TV broadcast of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC - that of Max Detweiler, entertainment representative and confidant to Captain Von Trapp and a local fellow society fixture along with the Baroness Elsa Schraeder (Laura Benanti). Yet, the character's darker nature and moral ambiguity is revealed with his seeming allegiance to the ever-growing Nazi regime, as revealed explicitly in the trio "No Way To Stop It".

Additionally, the relationship between Max and Elsa is more fully-fleshed out in this faithful adaptation of the original stage musical, highlighted by not only the "No Way To Stop It" trio with Captain Von Trapp, but also the caustically comic duet "How Can Love Survive?".

Furthermore, while the character of Max Detweiler in THE SOUND OF MUSIC is unquestionably a secondary role to that of Maria and Captain Von Trapp, he is ultimately responsible for setting the musical crux of the show in motion - after all, it is Max who suggests to the captain that he consider allowing the children to perform in the upcoming Salzburg Festival as a vocal group. As we all know, Maria also has a hand in bringing the music out of the children - and in them - but credit is due to Max for setting the musical wheels in motion.

And, besides his introduction of the idea of the children forming an act of some sort, Max also plays a significant part in saving the Von Trapps themselves in the final moments of the musical, lest we forget, though to discuss his ultimate act of bravery and benevolence would be to spoil it for those new to the experience, but Christian Borle is sure to play it perfectly if his amiable prior performances are a valid indicator of what is to come in the coming days.

Of note, this new version of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be a faithful adaptation of the original stage musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein along with bookwriters Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, retelling the historically-based story for a whole new generation. Furthermore, it will be broadcast live, thereby instantly adding an enticing new level of immediacy and excitement to the proceedings. Get ready to reintroduce your family to the most joyful, most emotional and most musical family adventure of them all!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC airs Thursday, December 5th at 8/7c, only on NBC. For more information on NBC's live presentation of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, visit the official site here.

No Way To Stop It

So, now, let's take a look at some of Christian Borle's finest musical theatre-related moments and preview him in this week's live presentation of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

First up, here is Christian Borle discussing the finer points of the character of Max and how he is preparing for the unprecedented THE SOUND OF MUSIC live TV event.

Sample Christian Borle's previous NBC musical turn byway of "Another Op'nin, Another Show" on SMASH.

See Christian Borle accept his Tony Award for Best Featured Actor In A Play in 2012.

Now, here is the very first teaser trailer for THE SOUND OF MUSIC on NBC.

Next, check out this extensive look behind the scenes at rehearsals for THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Lastly, enjoy this new featurette focusing on the music in THE SOUND OF MUSIC.