Emma Williams is Stand-In for Maria in London Sound of Music

According to The New York Times, Emma Williams has been confirmed as the stand-in for the role of Maria in the much-publicized upcoming London revival of The Sound of Music.

In addition, the Times reports that opera and crossover music star Lesley Garrett has landed the role of the Mother Abbess.

Williams will appear as Maria two times a week, and "no doubt more if television's winning Maria falters onstage." The article refers to the British reality show that will lead to the casting of perky Austrian governess in the revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Andrew Lloyd Webber, who spearheads the BBC's "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria," will produce The Sound of Music at the London Palladium. The musical will begin previews on November 4th and open on November 14th.

There are currently three actresses-- Connie Fisher, Siobhan Dillon, and Helena Blackman--vying for the role of Maria on the reality show. 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. The final installment--in which the star of the revival is chosen--will air on Saturday. The judges of the show, which began in July, are Lloyd Webber, his co-producer David Ian, West End and Broadway star John Barrowman, and voice coach Zoe Tyler; Graham Norton hosts. Originally, film star Scarlett Johannson was sought as Maria, and the reality show was created after she turned down the role.

Williams' London stage credits include Bat Boy, Promises, Promises and Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll, as well as Chitty Chitty BangBang, in which she played Truly Scrumptious. Film and TV credits include "Bleak House," Miss Marple" and The Parole Officer.

Garrett, who was awarded a CBE in 2002, has performed in operas ranging from Le Nozzi di Figaro and Cosi fan tutte to Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow.

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