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How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? - Full Cast & Crew

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Aspiring singers and actors vie for the lead role in a West End production of "The Sound of Music."

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? That's the question on the lips of Graham Norton as he searches for a new Maria Von Trapp for the forthcoming West End production of The Sound of Music. The brainchild of legendary impressario and composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? sets out on the unenviable task of trying to fill the wimple of Julie Andrews. Who could possibly be a nun in training, a governess, a will-o'-the wisp and a singing sensation? Later this year Andrew Lloyd Webber and theatre producer David Ian' launch a new production of The Sound of Music. But in a twist, rather than pick their new leading lady themselves, they've decided to let you, the viewer, decide.

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Week 6 results, episode 1x15; sep 16, 2006, previous episodes.

Graham Norton

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Andrew Lloyd Webber

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

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How do you solve a problem like maria, common sense media reviewers.

how do you solve a problem like maria bbc cast

Spirited search for a leading lady keeps families in mind.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

In general, the Marias' merits are weighed with ta

Toward the end of the contest, the top five finali

Rare use of (mostly British slang) words like "bal

The show was originally launched to sell tickets t

Parents need to know that, thanks to the The Sound of Music 's family-friendly source material, this British reality competition is relatively safe for kids. There's nothing graphic in the way of language, violence, or sex, although there's a bit of "snogging" between the prospective Marias and a leading man…

Positive Messages

In general, the Marias' merits are weighed with talent mattering the most -- but a singer's looks will often play a role in her success. The producers are looking for an actress who's spirited, playful, and fun but also a believable romantic lead.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Toward the end of the contest, the top five finalists take part in an acting class with a leading man that involves some kissing.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Rare use of (mostly British slang) words like "balls," "bloody," and "snogging."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

The show was originally launched to sell tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Stage production of The Sound of Music in 2006. Producers openly discuss their desire to find a universally popular Maria who will help sell tickets.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that, thanks to the The Sound of Music 's family-friendly source material, this British reality competition is relatively safe for kids. There's nothing graphic in the way of language, violence, or sex, although there's a bit of "snogging" between the prospective Marias and a leading man later on in the series. The bad news is that, because it already aired in the U.K., stateside viewers won't get to participate in the show's outcome. But since the stage production it promotes runs in London, there's a silver lining, too: Your kids won't expect you to take them to see it.

Where to Watch

Community reviews.

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What's the Story?

In HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA?, musical theater icon Andrew Lloyd Webber hunts for an ingenue to star as Maria in his West End stage production of The Sound of Music . The 55 finalists selected for "Maria School" take part in an extensive audition workshop with theater producer David Ian, actor John Barrowman, and vocal coach Zoe Tyler. The pool is ultimately whittled down to 10 Marias, who sing songs from the show as well as pop songs and are judged by viewers.

Is It Any Good?

If you and your family enjoyed BBC America's re-airing of the British reality contest Any Dream Will Do , chances are you'll also like Maria , which has the added advantage of being tied to one of the most popular musicals -- and feature films -- of all time. Thanks to frequent broadcasts of The Sound of Music on television and community revivals on local stages, everyone seems to know the songs.

And as for the spirited Maria, who was first brought to life on stage by Broadway icon Mary Martin and later on film by screen legend Julie Andrews ? Well, she's a kid-friendly problem that few parents would mind having.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how reality competitions like this one can help advertise a stage production and sell tickets that might otherwise not be sold. Why would producers want to hire an unknown singer over a professional performer and leave it largely up to audiences at home to decide who wins? Do you agree with the panel's decisions when it comes to the best Marias? Why are contestants required to sing pop songs as well as songs from The Sound of Music ?

  • Premiere date : July 29, 2006
  • Cast : Andrew Lloyd Webber , Gavin Crawford , John Barrowman
  • Network : BBC America
  • Genre : Reality TV
  • TV rating : TV-PG
  • Last updated : September 19, 2019

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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how do you solve a problem like maria bbc cast

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

how do you solve a problem like maria bbc cast

John Barrowman (Self - Judge) Gavin Crawford (Self - Host) Andrew Lloyd Webber (Self - Judge) Simon Lee (Self - Judge) Elaine Overholt (Self - Judge) Elicia Mackenzie (Self) Janna Polzin (Self) Connie Fisher (Self) Jayme Armstrong (Self) Marisa McIntyre (Self)

David Donohue

Canadian series based on the BBC reality show in which singers compete for a role in a theatrical revival of the musical "The Sound of Music."

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

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Briar Nolet and Julian Lombardi in How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (2022)

Richelle attends the pro-division qualifier for Nationals. Richelle attends the pro-division qualifier for Nationals. Richelle attends the pro-division qualifier for Nationals.

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  4. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (2008)

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  5. Dear West End Producer: ‘How do you solve a problem like Maria?’

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COMMENTS

  1. How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?

    How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria? was a British reality television talent show that documented the search for an undiscovered musical theatre performer to play the role of Maria von Trapp in the 2006 Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian stage production of The Sound of Music. The series was originally devised by the then in-house development team at BBC Entertainment Events and was announced ...

  2. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (TV Series 2006)

    How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?: With Graham Norton, Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Barrowman, David Ian.

  3. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (TV Series 2006- )

    How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (TV Series 2006- ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.

  4. BBC One

    How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Home. This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer. Graham Norton and Andrew Lloyd Webber reveal which girl's dreams have been shattered as the ...

  5. BBC One

    How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Home. This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer. Graham Norton presents a show following Andrew Lloyd Webber's quest to find a new leading ...

  6. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

    How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?: With John Barrowman, Gavin Crawford, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Simon Lee. Canadian series based on the BBC reality show in which singers compete for a role in a theatrical revival of the musical "The Sound of Music."

  7. How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

    2009. Reality, Music. TVPG. Watchlist. Where to Watch. Aspiring singers and actors vie for the lead role in a West End production of "The Sound of Music." Learn more about the full cast of How Do ...

  8. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

    That's the question on the lips of Graham Norton as he searches for a new Maria Von Trapp for the forthcoming West End production of The Sound of Music. The brainchild of legendary impressario and composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? sets out on the unenviable task of trying to fill the wimple of Julie Andrews.

  9. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? TV Review

    Our review: Parents say Not yet rated Rate TV show. Kids say ( 1 ): If you and your family enjoyed BBC America's re-airing of the British reality contest Any Dream Will Do, chances are you'll also like Maria, which has the added advantage of being tied to one of the most popular musicals -- and feature films -- of all time.

  10. Connie Fisher

    Connie Fisher (born 17 June 1983) is a British actress, singer and TV presenter, who won the BBC One talent contest How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?. On 15 November 2006, she opened to excellent reviews in the part of Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music in the West End, London on a six-month contract, which was extended until 23 February 2008. She resumed the role of Maria in The Sound ...

  11. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (TV Series 2008- )

    How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (TV Series 2008- ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Menu. Movies. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight.

  12. Siobhan Dillon

    Siobhan Patricia Dillon (born 1 September 1984) is an English actress and singer, who rose to fame when she performed in the British talent show-themed television series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? on BBC One in 2006. Since then, Dillon has performed in the West End, playing the roles of Sandy in Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre, Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde at the Savoy ...

  13. "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" (BBC TV): The Final

    On Sept. 16, "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?"—the first live, TV elimination show to cast a stage leading lady—produced a result. Connie Fisher—dubbed Intense Maria by show host ...

  14. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?: Maria facts

    Maria Augusta was an 'internee' in the most basic level of monastic admission when she was asked to nurse one of the seven children of widowed naval commander Georg Ritter von Trapp. She fell in ...

  15. BBC One

    How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Graham Norton hosts the first of six live shows where ten finalists battle it out to win the prize of the role of Maria Von Trapp in the musical The Sound of ...

  16. Maria (Rodgers and Hammerstein song)

    "Maria", sometimes known as "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music. ... Connie Fisher won the TV series and was cast as Maria in the London revival of the show that opened in November 2006 at the London Palladium.

  17. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (2008)

    Canadian series based on the BBC reality show in which singers compete for a role in a theatrical revival of the musical "The Sound of Music."

  18. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? finalists

    Born and raised in Romania, Simona is a passionate woman who puts her all into every performance. She is trying to make a career as a full time actress and has had some small TV roles. Simona has ...

  19. Cast of The Sound of Music

    March 2, 1965. Tags. In English Soundtrack Musicals. Processional and Maria (The Wedding) Lyrics: How do you solve a problem like Maria? / How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? / How do you ...

  20. How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

    How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?: Directed by Shawn Gerrard. With Brandon Lising, Julian Lombardi, Nick Maiorano, Connie Manfredi. Richelle attends the pro-division qualifier for Nationals.