Connie Fisher, chosen by popular vote as the winner of the UK reality
show "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria," will star in the upcoming
London revival of The Sound of Music.
Fisher was selected out of three remaining candidates
(the other two were Siobhan Dillon, and Helena Blackman) for the
coveted role of the Austrian governess in the revival, which will be
produced by
Andrew Lloyd Webber.
She joins previously-announced Simon Shepherd as Captain von
Trapp, opera star Lesley Garrett as the Mother Abbess and
Emma Williams
(London
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), who as the stand-in for Maria, will perform two times a week.
The Sound of Music will begin previews on November 4th and open on November 14th at the London Palladium.
Two
millions votes were received for the final episode of the popular
reality show. In the preceding episodes, performers were voted off the
show by a panel of judges that was spearheaded by Lloyd Webber. The
panel also included
Sound of Music co-producer David Ian, West End and Broadway star
John Barrowman, and voice coach Zoe Tyler; Graham Norton hosted.
Originally,
Lloyd Webber narrowed the field of contenders down to 200, and then to
54 young women who were sent to a "Maria School" in which they received
acting, singing and dancing lessons. At first, film star Scarlett
Johannson was sought as Maria, and the reality show was created after
she turned down the role.
"I feel on top of the world, thanks very much. I won't let
you down. Every night will be an opening night. Thanks for making my
dreams come true," stated Fisher.
