"How do you solve a Problem Like Maria"

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:20 am

Marian, we didn't know that John Borrowman was playing the part of Captain Von Trapp either, and as for the Maria being chosen, that is strange, but we saw a few weeks ago on the internet that Scarlett Johansson was to play the part in this production, but last week she stated in the newspaper that she had withdrawn from taking the part, was fed up and was going back to the States, so according to that, this show and the idea for the viewers to choose Maria was worked out quickly.

The Sinatra show finishes on the 16th of September and The Sound Of Music opens on the 3rd Of November. Time for them to learn the songs

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:53 am

HI Lena and Harry--I remember you saying a while ago, about Scarlet Johannsen being Maria--and even then I vaguely remembered hearing some months ago, about this programme for choosing Maria. ALW said on the first show that Scarlet had been his first choice, but she was now too well known, and also had a large workload ahead.

I suppose it gives them time to learn the songs, but there is a lot more to learn--the dancing, the dialogue---quite a challenge I should think!!

I checked on the website again, and saw nothing about John Barrowman being Captain von Trapp, so whether that is the case or not, I really do not know. I would love to hear him sing "Edelweiss", I must admit.

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:23 pm

Marian, no John Barrowman is not playing the part of Captain von Trapp, just as a judge.
He has made an album of Cole Porter songs, not sure when exactly, but with mixed reviews, for any fans of John's.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 12:56 pm

Well, I am not surprised at that, as I had not seen or heard it anywhere, but as my friend had actually already booked, I thought that she must have known.

So, another mystery to be unveiled--plus the part os the cvhildren--especially Liesel, and the Head Nun [I am sure she is not called that, but you know who I mean}, also the Baroness.

It will be interesting to see the songs that John chooses for "The Cloe Porter Album". I have got a cd of Dionbne Warwick singng all Cole Porter songs, but quite honestly, I only like a couple of them--they do not really suit her voice, in my opinion.

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 3:11 pm

Hi Marian,
It seems that John Barrowman's Cole Porter album has been out on release for a while now.
Sings the usual Cole Porter numbers.
So who will stay and who will be going home tonight then.

Don't miss this thrilling episode

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 10:48 pm

Oh dear--I must confess to being really disappointed at tonights show. Firstly, I could only recognise half of the Marias from previous shows--the other half, I do not remember seeing at all , at any stage.

Secondly, it was more like a pop contest--another X Factor, or Pop Idol.
How on earth is anyone supposed to judge a singer for the part of Maria when they are singing "Crazy Chick" or a Bjork song??

For me Helena was the weakest one and should have gone. I thought Leanne was best, although I hated her outfit and her song. Although Connie came top apparently, I thought she was Ok--but I did not like her eye make-up --looked weird! I thought Simona looked beautiful---lovely dress and hairstyle--but she is still not Maria. Belinda sang "Over the Rainbow" quite nicely, but she looked too old for Maria. Siobhann looked as though she was on "Stars in your Eyes" doing Shania Twain--not very original.

I thought it was a bit mean when they made Connie stay where she was, leaving her till almost the end----especially when it turned out she had the most votes.I know it is supposed to be random, but I did not think that was a nice thing to do.

The bits I liked best were when they were singing the songs from "The Sound of Music"---but I hit the Karaoke button--but still could not sing along to "Crazy chick " or the Bjork song--whatever it was called.

However, I will be there next week---and the week after......

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sun Aug 13, 2006 12:53 am

Hi Marian, we were also having to rethink and put names to faces from last week. We remembered Connie because she was our choice last week, and still is this week.
We agree with your comments Marian at the way that they left Connie standing with the remaining less hopefuls until the very end. We thought that was so cruel.
They all have to learn, but she appears to us to have that little bit extra natural inbuilt talent that's an advantage over the others.
Yes, the chosen songs were a disaster and the music was drowning out their voices, but we liked the group singing.

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 9:47 am

David Ian was talking about the show this morning on BBC breakfast time, and his comments were that Captain Vonn Trapp has a family of children so therefore and in his view, a very young looking Maria wouldn't really be suitable. Laura who was eliminated last week perhaps may have been one of them, and Simona is highly unlikely to lose her accent.
Why, when they were auditioned wasn't this considered in the first place. We don't fully understand

We'll keep watching though.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:01 am

Hi Lena and Harry. Andrew Lloyd Webber has said from the start that he thought all previous Marias were too old-I guess that includes Julie Andrews!!

So he obviously wants someone younger---or maybe just younger looking.

However, we must remember Liesl was "16 going on 17", so maybe a 20 year old would be too young!!

Quite honestly, I think they turned down some better applicants , than are now in the contest.

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:52 am

Hi Marian, we also think that some best entrants have gone.
As for age. Is it so important ? We saw the stage production and were there at the first night in 1981 when Petula Clark played the role of Maria in this musical. She was fantastic and she had just reached Fifty.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:50 am

Hi all-I just read today [in Thursdays paper] that Lesley Garrett will be playing the Mother Abbess---has anyone else heard about this??

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 4:45 pm

Marian, we have seen somewhere on the net that Lesley Garrett is probably taking that role.
Anthony Head was in line for Captain Vonn Trapp, but has rejected it and Robert Lindsey was another who was considered, but he is now confirmed to star in The Old Vic new season.
Another who may be in line for the part is Michael Ball. So it's a case of wait and see. The tickets are already on sale.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:39 pm

Hi Lena and Harry--I have to say that I love Michael Ball--he can do it all, as far as I'm concerned, but the musical is his greatest strength. I saw him live in concert a few years back, and he was phenomenal.

As for tonights show--I guess the 2 weakest ones were in the bottom 2. I really did not like Belinda singing "Fever", and I cannot even remember what Melize sang. But I thought Belinda sang better in "Another suitcase"---one of my favourite ALW songs.

I think they have missed a golden opportunity to make this show different, by having the girls sing songs from the musicals---there are enough of them out there, I am sure! Instead we are getting "Fever" and "Shout"---it is crazy!!

I'm not sure how it is going to end as there are 8 girls left, and Grahame said only 4 shows left, so I guess at some stage 2 are going out.

We shall have to wait and see!!

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:04 am

Marian, it's supposed to be the viewers votes that count, but we are so suprised that Simona was kept in the running. Or are we the only ones who just can't possibly see her losing her accent.
Belinda had a good voice but no natural rhythm actions required specially for that song Fever she appeared awkward:( We thought Aoife done well, having to perform and be criticised for both singing and dancing.
Siobhan manages to keep on crying more than the others

Connie is an obvious choice because she appears versatile and confident and would be reliable.
Meliz has natural talent too. Oh well we'll see

jon · Post by **jon** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:25 pm

I've been watching the Maria programme as well, even though I'm not a huge fan of musicals. I feel Connie should win as she has both the vocal and acting skills needed (and looks the part). Leanne has a nice voice but it would be unfair if she won as she would be stealing a march on the others who have trained and studied, and trod the boards, for a few years.

I've nothing against self-taught talent (I recall seeing Michael Ball on an edition of "Parkinson" not so long ago saying that he'd never had a formal singing lesson!) but Leanne should take the opportunity to learn her trade over the next few years and get some experience in smaller roles before going for the bit parts.

This depends of course on the great British public, who may still vote her the winner. The trouble is with these kinds of reality talent shows is that people who are favourites to begin with are sometimes "punished" by the viewers for being seen as such, while "underdogs" are perhaps elevated unjustly through sympathy votes. But we shall see. (The other strong candidate is Siobhan.)