Theatre
CBC looking for the next Maria von Trapp
True story: about ten years ago, I auditioned for the part of Dorothy in a community production of The Wizard of Oz. Sadly, the director thought my baritone voice really didn't do the part any justice, so they cast me as the Lion instead.
If there's any musical character more iconic than Dorothy, however, it has to be Maria von Trapp from The Sound of Music.
While I'm sure I could make a wonderful Maria in the upcoming Toronto production of the popular Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, it turns out that producer Andrew Lloyd Webber is pretty adamant about finding a young woman to play the part.
And yes, that woman can be you. (Unless, like me, you're a man.)
In order to cast the role of Maria in the musical, Lloyd Webber is partnering with Mirvish Productions and the CBC to create a reality show (modeled after the popular BBC show of the same name), How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, that will give Canadian television-viewers the opportunity to vote for their favorite Maria.
Open auditions in Toronto take place this Friday at the CBC Building. If you, like me, have aspirations of becoming the next Maria, be sure to get there early for registration. You can find more information about the audition process and even a video of what Lloyd Webber is looking for in his Maria over on the Are You Maria? website.
And since I'm probably not welcome to play Maria, if you do decide to audition your singing and dancing talent, come back here and let us know how it went!
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Except I dont know most of the words!
And Danielle, you don't know the words to <i>The Sound of Music</i>? The horror!
Vulgarize the content and lower the overall intelligence of the content and you'll get a big audience: just like American Idol.
CBC--for a long time--was a cut above most other networks' programming. Now it's sliding downhill.
Count me out of the audience for this programme.
Can these young voices handle the vocal demand of this part? Can these young women handle the stress of memorization and demanding rehearsal schedules?
Removing Allie from the play The Sound of Music is devaluing the tickets that I have already purchased.
There should be more control by the producers to avoid such situations.
A good marketing theory with bad theatrical results is not an acceptable way to promote a classic musical like The Sound of Music.
I am most disappointed that I will have to watch a second rate show without the presence of one of Allie.