Webber Casts UK Star Summer Strallen as Maria in 'Sound of Music'

WhatsOnStage.com reports: "In January, Andrew Lloyd Webber will appear as himself in three 'Hollyoaks' episodes, during which Summer Strallen's character, Summer Shaw, battles to gain his attention.... In real life, we hear that Strallen is being lined to take over as the next Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, where Connie Fisher finishes her contract on 23 February 2008... The description of her 'Hollyoaks' character reads: 'a confident, talented young lady, Summer will stop at nothing in her relentless pursuit of stardom'."

Andrew Lloyd Webber, legendary composer of musical theatre hits like The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, will make his TV acting debut with the cameo appearance on Channel 4's hit UK teen drama "Hollyoaks."

"Summer is convinced she has the talent to succeed in the West End and stalks Andrew Lloyd Webber, who plays himself, in her pursuit of stardom. She finally manages to secure an audition, but does she have the talent?" claim press notes.  An exact air date has not been established, though most publications agree on 1 February 2008.

Strallen was Olivier-nominated for the 2006 revival of Sandy Wilson's The Boy Friend; her other West End musical credits include Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cats and Scrooge." 

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I have blurred fiction with fact all my life but never before on national television. Bless 'Hollyoaks' for asking me."  For details visit Channel4.com

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