|
So, how DO you solve a problem like Maria? Er, I already have
(Sunday Mirror Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) ANDREW Lloyd Webber has already chosen his Maria - and she's not one of the contestants on the TV show.
The impresario has hired beautiful Emma Williams, 23, to play the lead role in his new West End musical The Sound of Music. She has already signed a 12-MONTH contract for the part.
The award-winning actress is already a star of the London stage - having taken the lead as Truly Scrumptious in the smash-hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
But more than seven million viewers a week have been tuning in to BBC1's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? to vote for the amateur singer they want to win the role with only a SIX-MONTH contract.
Our revelations are certain to spark "fix" claims.
Last night a West End source said: "Production bosses have an experienced professional waiting in the wings to take the lead role for a lot of performances - making a mockery of the contest."
The current favourite to win the Saturday night show is Connie Fisher, a 23-year-old telesales girl.
But Baron Lloyd Webber - worth pounds 700million - has already signed up Emma for the role of singing nun Maria Von Trapp, made famous by Dame Julie Andrews in the 1965 film.
A fellow actress - who went to drama school with Emma - said: "I've known Emma since she was 14.
"She's so excited about appearing in The Sound of Music. I just wish they'd stop this reality show c**p and give her the part straight out."
It is understood Emma has been signed up for several performances a week.
A typical West End musical would have eight shows a week, including two matinees. A theatre insider said: "It is obvious Emma is being lined up to do the bulk of the shows.
"While the TV contest winner will guarantee ticket sales, Emma will bring the real professionalism.
"For an untrained or inexperienced singer to take on even three or four shows a week would be totally beyond their ability, and Maria is a demanding role."
Emma has already enjoyed a hugely successful career.
She appeared in the movie The Parole Officer opposite Steve Coogan and has acted in Miss Marple, Doctors and BBC1's version of Bleak House.
But it is on the stage where she has shone, winning a Best Newcomer Award for her role as Scrumptious - despite being the youngest ever lead in the show.
Bosses are likely to claim Emma will alternate with the winner, performing about three times each week when the musical begins in November.
But a source revealed: "When the pressure's on, bosses are bound to turn to a singer with West End experience, rather than a complete newcomer."
Last night, the BBC admitted Emma had been hired as a Maria. But a spokesman for the show insisted their Maria would do six of the eight stage performances and the winner would receive a six-month contract.
"After the first six months, maybe Emma will take over and do six out of the eight shows," he said.
"I don't think it is a con for viewers, because someone wins a six-month contract."
Copyright 2006 . MGN Ltd.
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|
INDUSTRIES
Activate Email 
