How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

Review

Common Sense Media says

Spirited search for a leading lady keeps families in mind.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What 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.

  • Positive messages3
    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.
  • Violence & scariness0
    Not applicable.
  • Sexy stuff0
    Toward the end of the contest, the top five finalists take part in an acting class with a leading man that involves some kissing.
  • Language0
    Rare use of (mostly British slang) words like "balls," "bloody," and "snogging."
  • Consumerism3
    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.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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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.

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What families can talk 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?

This review was written by Kari Croop
Teen, 17 years old
July 14, 2009
AGE
8
 
Perfect for young kids too!
The Sound of Music is a great movie that is very much the same.
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Helped me decide (3) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (3)
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:BBC America
Cast:Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gavin Crawford, John Barrowman
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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