Parents' Guide to

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Spirited search for a leading lady keeps families in mind.

TV BBC America Reality TV 2006
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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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?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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