Reuters.com: Canadians to select the next Maria von Trapp

hiake · Sep 27, 2007

Canadians to select the next Maria von Trapp

By Claire Sibonney

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian television viewers will get the chance to select the actress who will play Maria von Trapp in the North American premiere of "The Sound of Music," the producers said on Wednesday.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian's hit London production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will debut in Toronto next September.

The producers are teaming with CBC television to broadcast the rehearsals in an eight-part prime-time series called "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?".

"We really want to get this search from the ground up," said Randy Alldread, a spokesman for Mirvish Productions which will present the play at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre.

"We're looking to make somebody a star."

The show will be based on the original BBC television program of the same name which became the highest rated show of its kind in the broadcaster's history, according to the producers.

The search for the next Maria will begin in February when auditions will be held across Canada. Auditions are open only to amateur actresses who think they have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Mary Martin, who created the role on stage, and Julie Andrews who starred in the film.

Would-be Marias from all over the country will be put through a rigorous audition, training and evaluation process.

The television series, which will be aired in the spring or summer, will also feature a panel of judges, but ultimately Canadian TV viewers will determine who will win the coveted role.

Alldread said the company has already been flooded with inquiries about the auditions and that the competition is sure to be stiff.

What are the producers looking for? One thing is certain, said Alldread: "She's got to have an amazing voice."

Source: Reuters.com
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I will definitely be looking forward to both the Maria search AND the musical residence -bigclap

wind2000 · Sep 27, 2007

Better yet, how about you audition for the part

Reuters.com: Canadians to select the next Maria von Trapp

hiake Vardøgr of da E.Twin

wind2000 Self Schemata