[MademoiselleMusicals]

So... it's on next Saturday! I love the trailers for it.

[jazzygirlsings]

I'm sure it's hilarious, but in a way I am deeply saddened by the fact that they are making one of my favorite musicals into a circus act.

It makes a mockery of the whole auditioning process and one of my favorite shows...

I'm sure it will create a big buzz for the show and make ALW lots of money, though...UGH...Yet another reason for me to dislike ALW.

[Superstar83]

jazzygirlsings - I have the same feelings as you but I actually liked the programme. Several of the girls actually seemed to have talent, from what I saw, but I do feel also that turning the search into a reality show helps to cheapen theatre somehow. But for what it was, I think the show was well done tonight. I really loathe the idea that the public are going to have the ultimate say, though, as they always get it wrong with voting stuff like this. They always vote for their "fave" or who they fancy, not who genuinely has the most talent or is the most suitable.

[Fantine]

What is this show?

[Claire]

Fantine - ALW has launched an X factor/pop idol/american idol type reality show to find the leading lady (maria) of the new production of The Sound Of Music at the London Palladium.
He held open auditions around the Uk, and 200 girls were chosen to audition in front of the panel of judes, and they put 50 into a crash course in musical theatre. The 50 will then be taken down to 20, who will sing at the Sydmonton festival. The 20 will then be cut down to 10, and the public can (horror of horrors!) vote for who they want to be the next Maria.
The programme caused a lot of controversy, especially among theatre professionals because untrained amateurs were allowed to audition alongside professionals. Many are also unhappy because it has the potential of becoming a popularity contest, with the public voting for the prettiest girl, or the one they like best rather than the one who is best for the role or has the most talent.

It's a bit long, but I hope it's cleared up what the show is etc. If u want more info, you can go to -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/maria/

http://www.thisistheatre.com/soundofmusic/howdoyousolveaproblemlikemaria.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/07_july/11/maria.shtml

xx claire

[Jordan]

I saw the show... it was very poorly made, though still entertaining. There should have been more of the terrible auditions shown because that is after all what makes shows like X Factor and Pop/American Idol popular.

I can see there being a lot of viewer apathy towards this.

Also, just how many people sang 'I could have danced all night'? For goodness sakes.

[Jordan]

Oh, and ALW is a complete control freak.

[MsDivaKate]

I wonder if it was in the line up for BBC America. These are things I miss now that I live in NYC.

[eponine5]

I really wanted to see the program yesterday, but I had been away for a few days and I missed it by an hour! I will miss the next 3 as well while I am away. I also think that it was a really bad and commecial idea to turn this into a TV program. It kind of gets rid of the thrill of seeing the actress live, once everyone has seen them go through god knows how many emotional breakdowns on TV. In some ways, it could also spoil the actress. One of the things I love about the actors on musical theatre is that it is not all about glamour like on hollywood and because everyone sees them live and can also meet them at the stage door, the actors stay human and don't seem to get as big headed as those in films. All the fame and publicity of a reality TV show will ruin that.
What did they show in this particular program?

[Claire]

[Aimee]

Why oh why did he want to put Kirsty forward? OK yeah, shes fun but you could drag a girl in off the streets who was fun too. She could hardly sing a note in tune. I think the panel were right in saying no to her.

[rytoast25]

thats funny!

[London01]

I could be very unpopular here but I guess it is all about publicity.
We will see if Lord Lloyd Webbers gamble pays in the end.

[Claire]

[LesMisForever]

Hello

I agree more, or less with what was said. "Superstar" said roughly what i wanted to say. I am not fan of "reality" TV, but i gave this one a chance, because of my interest in MT.

I thought it was fun, but as "Superstar" said the voting will not really be objective. Furthermore, there will be millions who will vote without any intention to go and see the show itself. On the other hand, there will be loads who will probably go and see the show, but will not vote like myself.

[Frostbunny2]

I for one would never go up in front of Andrew Lloyd Webber and sing one of his songs! I don't know how anybody else feels about this?

I really enjoyed watching the programme, I recorded it and watched it on Sunday afternoon and I will def watch next week

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I really enjoyed the programme. I love Siobhan and I hope that she goes far in the show. But Briony, lovely girl with lots of personality but it's not fair. Why should she have another audition to 'overcome,' nerves when there are most probably lots of ladies who have nerves that day.

ALW facial expressions - very amusing. When Norton started telling about the controversy about this talent search, I don't see why the theatre world has been so shaken up by this show. It's looking for new talent and if I was old enough I would have certainly gone in for it.

Next week be prepared for a lot of 'bitchiness!' At the end of the programme that shows what will in the next episode, a lot of girls were unhappy as they think the 5 new girls ALW handpicked are his favourites

[jazzygirlsings]

They are cheapening the whole integrity of the professional auditioning process...That's why it bothers me...They are making a circus out of a show that I love...

I'm sure it's entertaining and all, but it still breaks my heart...

Musical theatre should mean so much more than a stupid reality TV show...

[Sue*D]

Not really their were hundreds of applicants to start with and they narrowed them down to 200, then to 50 and the final 10. They also gave them help in preparing for their audition. They offer the girls professional advice sounds like a good thing to me.

You should check the BBC website for the TV show and Andrewlloydwebber.com

Webber explains about the process and it sounds very professional to me, it is just on TV instead of someone going in and singing at an audition.

[jazzygirlsings]

[Salome]

SOM deserves just what it gets. perfect play for a shitty reality series lol

[Jordan]

Although I can appreciate the comment about random nutjobs auditioning, very very little was shown of those in the TV programme. I have to add, this is where the stuffy BBC got it wrong in my opinion.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I want Leanne to win now! (The shop keeper who taught herself music etc) Siobhan and Briony were knocked out (really wanted Siobhan to go through so bit annoyed!) Simone, the Romanion lady is so talented but I hope she can lose the accent because if not, she won't get Maria. And in my opinion, I don't think she will despite her passion and talent.

[jazzygirlsings]

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I'm really confused as I looked at the press release on the BBC and it says about Siobhan being in the top 10....

[Sue*D]

Dear read the BBC and ALW websites. The cost for the phone calls goes for a charity to help students in theatre. This project is being finacnced by the backers whoever they are and was on the books before the BBC got this TV idea.

Whether Webber had flops or not means nothing. Producers do not have to put up the money. This is about the "Sound of Music" not Webber shows. This is an R&H show, not a Webber show. A lovely R&H show.

Webber asked the judges to put some people back in as he thought they were good. That is why there could be a difference in the final 10. He did not agree with the judges. It is all on the websites if you just read them.

You might do a bit of research Julie Andrews and other very famous actresses almost did not get parts as they were unknowns.

[Jordan]

[MademoiselleMusicals]

Exactly GayBoy. Unless they fix the phone lines and save the favourite every week and go with the public vote for everyone else (not making much sense am I?)

[Fantine]

Talent is talent. I don't see the need for an expensive musical training if a girl or guy has the talent and potential. Also, these are still auditions, it is still hard. The ones with potential will remain in the end. I think that it's a step forward to loosen up the auditioning with equity a little bit. Give new talent a chance.

[Jordan]

[joseph taylor]

I agree although I have been watching this programme every week I dont think its always a good advertisement for Rodgers & Hammerstein
Which being about THE SOUND OF MUSIC surely it should be.
I know you cant expect them to be in such a short space of time, but none of the girls come anywhere near the standard of Petula Clark's portrayal of Maria in the 1981 first London revival production, which I was lucky enough to attend the first Saturday night of!!! when we all gave June Bronhill who played the Mother Abbess a standing ovation, after her wonderful performance.
As for being on par with the original Mary Martin, who alright she was 46 years old when she first played it, so what , made no difference, still a wonderful performance, or in Julie Andrews in the film version, they stand no chance, sorry to say it.

Also should be remembered Mary Martin created and played the role of Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, could these girls do that, sorry don think they could.

Also in this programme not enough of the Rodgers & Hammerstein music or a least some more Kern & Hammerstein or Rodgers & Hart for them to sing instead of all these pop tunes!!!

[jazzygirlsings]

[Dvarg]

[Jordan]

The problem and riskiest strategy with having the girls sing mainly pop songs is that most don't have soprano parts. The real test is how well or otherwise can these girls perform soprano songs?

My fave is Connie though. Connie to win, woo, yay!

[joseph taylor]

I agree with you although it could be argued that Mary Martin the original Maria, for which the part was written didn't have a soprano voice by the time she starred in it in 1959. I think she did have a soprano voice but it dropped a bit singing all the ANNIE GET YOUR GUN songs before she starred with Ezio Pinza in SOUTH PACIFIC.
In fact she is reported as saying that is what she was worried about singing opposite an operatic basso after belting out the songs in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN!!!!

[LesMisForever]

Hello

I watched only the first episode in full, the rest only bits and pieces.
From what i have seen i hope Connie will win (I won't vote though). In my opinion she has the best voice.

Mumstype...with all due respect i don't think it is fixed in advance. Not because i have faith in the purity of show business, or the creators of the show. But it is a high risk strategy, and if caught the consequences are very damaging. Furthermore, the rewards are not guarnteed. It just doesn't make sense. Risking so much for so little.

[Jordan]

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I was saddened that Leanne was not 'saved,' but as the weeks went on, she appeared too cheeky and young for the part.

Very glad Simone was voted out. Her behaviour is so, look at me, I am going to deliberately alienate myself in order to suck up to ALW. Many will probably disagree with me, but that is how I interpreted it.

I was actually beginning not to like Siobhan, but she won me over with the kids, and her song. She HAS to be in the final.

Connie, is amazing as well. She is Maria. Just everything about her physically and like GayBoy has pointed out, the best acting.

And I agree about the voting thing. Too expensive.

[LesMisForever]

Hello

I never really warmed up to Leanne. Beside, she is SOO young. She is only about 2 years older than the eldest daughter. I don't dislike any of them in particular. I just think that Connie is the best.

[my_work_my_name]

Hehe, I saw Connie perform in a local Young Musical Theatre Singer competition in February this year - even then she was totally outstanding, and deservedly won the competition. Much as I dislike this sort of reality tv based competition, I sincerely hope she does win.

[Jordan]

So, finals tomorrow. ALW can't interfere and it's between Connie, Siobhan and Helena (aka The one ALW saved four times!)

The online 'fun' poll currently stands at 54.9% Connie, 33.3% Siobhan and 11.9% Helena.

www.bbc.co.uk/maria

[Jordan]

Connie won, Helena came 2nd, Siobhan came third. I may have to book tickets!

[eponine5]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I'm so annoyed that Connie won. I just didn't feel that she could give anything new to the role. It seemed like she would try to be just like Julie Andrews, only she couldn't be as good. Good thing I've got seats at the very top of the upper circle, they'll look like dots anyway.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I am over the moon that Connie won! Siobhan is good - wish she came 2nd instead of Helena. But Helena???? She was never consistant, made weird face gestures when she sang. Connie is Maria. I hope this lady will be in the West End for a long time to come.

[eponine5]

Actually, strangely enough I can't see Connie as anything but Maria (and she was my least favourite out of the three). In my opinion, Siobhan and Helena should have come joint first. With Connie, instead of 'a stunning new revival with a new interpretation' its become simply 'another revival'.
I just don't see Connie as having the vocal strength to lead a show.

[phantomphan85]

Connie really bugged me. Still, I think she'll do okay.

[Frostbunny2]

I wanted Helena to win - Connie was okay but she was all teeth and eyelashes (her "lonely goatherd" was amazing though)
Helena's "Cabaret" was amazing too - and she seemed much more "normal" than Connie.

[LesMisForever]

Hello

I am glad that Connie won. I thought she had the best voice, and that is the main quality i look for when i go to musicals.

I won't be in a hurry though to see this show. I like the movie, but it is not one of my favourites. Beside, my favourite song is "Edelweiss" ( sp?).

Sibohan will do well in life. She is very beautiful (and now recognisable), and this world always always has plenty of opportunities for beautiful women.

I won't be surprised if i see her on Billboard advertising bras

Sorry for digerssion.

[Impossible Dream]

My newspaper reported on Saturday that Connie had already started recording vocals for the revival soundtrack, even though the official result had not yet been broadcast. There'll be an out of court settlement over that one

[Sue*D]

Connie is recording a solo album with various songs, not "The Sound of Music" OLC.

ALW & Time Rice wrote a new song for the album. Plus ALW is thinking of suing the newspaper that reported it. Another contestant got a recording contract, two auditioned for other musicals. That is what happens in these types of shows.

Check BBC online they had a big article, ALW was mad as hell!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5377168.stm?ls


Here is the official cast list for the London production:

http://www.soundofmusiclondon.com/news.php


Cheers