Strictly Maria!

Last weekend saw the end of one of my favourite programmes “How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?”.  In the show legendary composer and theatre producer, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber attempted to find a young woman to play Maria von Trapp in his new production of “The Sound of Music".

 

From thousands of hopefuls, ten potential leading ladies were chosen to go to Maria school in London.  The girls worked everyday with professional voice coaches, choreographers and others, to improve their talent.  Also they had to complete other challenges, like tough assault courses, working with children and even kissing fellow judge and “Doctor Who” star, John Barrowman!

 

Each Saturday night, each Maria had to sing live for viewers’ votes and to win over the judges John, vocal coach Zoë Tyler, co-producer David Ian, and of course Lloyd-Webber himself. 

 

Then, at the end of the show, the two girls with the lowest votes would have to sing for survival in one final sing-off to impress Andrew.  He was allowed to save one girl each week... and he saved one girl four times, who later became runner-up in the competition.

 

As the standard got better and better each week, it became increasingly difficult for the Lord (and the audience at home!) to choose who to save from eviction, as they were all so good.  Then last weekend 23 year old telesales worker, Connie, from Pembrokeshire, West Wales achieved her dream role as Maria.

 

       

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE... (L-R): Winner Connie with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julie Andrews as Maria in the film.

 

I thought this show was brilliant.  It’s interesting to know what process goes on while choosing a leading man or lady for a theatre production.  Also I couldn’t vote because I found it really hard to choose my favourite.

 

The show will be performed in the London Palladium and there will be eight shows a week.  Unfortunately Connie's understudy has dropped out of the production, so Connie will have to perform eight shows per week.  She is more than willing to accept the challenge but Andrew is worried about the effect it will have on her voice.  Maybe the other two runners-up, Helena or Siobhan have a chance to shine after all?

 

Another favourite programme of mine is starting soon... “Strictly Come Dancing”.  Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, legendary funnyman, Ronnie Corbett, ex-‘Emmerdale’ actress, Claire King and newsreader Nicholas Owen are just some of the stars taking part in the new series.

 

      

FOXY FOXTROT (L-R): Emma Bunton, Ronnie Corbett, Claire King and Nicholas Owen are ready to show off their dancing skills.

 

I am fascinated by the glitz, glam and all the wonderful dancing.  I would love to be able to ballroom dance like them.  But I can’t because of my disability, maybe freestyle???

 

Have a good afternoon, everyone!