TV series to search high and low for Canadian Maria

The cross-country search for a Canadian Maria von Trapp begins in January.

Temple Street Productions and CBC Television begin a seven-city audition process Jan. 25 to answer the question "How do you solve a problem like Maria?"

A reality TV program to be broadcaston CBC-TV in summer 2008 will chart the course of prospective Marias as they compete for the chance to star in a Toronto production of The Sound of Music.

The winning contestant goes straight to the stage of the Princess of Wales Theatre fora Mirvish production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

"We are thrilled to offer Canadians this unique opportunity to helpselect the next star of one of the world's most beloved musicals," said Kirstine Layfield, executive director of network programming for CBC Television

In the U.K., the reality TV search for Maria made a star of previously unknown Briton Connie Fisher and led to an extended London run of the musical.

Legendary composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber came up with the reality TV concept with producer DavidIan. They are also involved with the Canadian show.

Thousands of Canadian women across the country are expected to audition for the role in open calls in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax and St. John's.

A group of 200 will be selected for callbacks in Toronto. Then 50 of these women will attend "Maria School" for further training.

Contestants will be eliminated before TV watchers in a rigorous training experience that will require they demonstrate acting and singing ability and true stage presence.

A panel of judges and Canadian viewers will choose the winner.