Some Thoughts On Problem Solving

A very contraversial aspect of the industry at the moment is Andrew Lloyd Webber's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Here are my thoughts on the various issues that have been raised....


I think it's so inconsistent that this show has been given such a slagging off with such venom on the following points:

1. It seeks to potentially cast an unknown in a leading role
2. It will promote an ALW show

Interesting that there was absolutely NO such criticism raised for either Operatunity or Musicality which did exactly the same thing. Where was the criticism that the producers of CHICAGO would benefit from the publicity? Where was the outcry from professionals that they were being excluded from the process or that the new stars simply couldn't handle it?

It wasn't there. This leads me to one conclusion; that basically this is being used as an opportunity to slag Andrew Lloyd Webber off which seems all too trendy these days.

"ooooo Andrew is greedy"
"oooo Andrew is arrogant"
"oooooo Andrew is horrible and hates real musical theatre"
"oooo Andrew is driven by publicity"

... grow up.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has worked very, very hard and if you did some good research into his background you'd realise just how hard. He has taken risks which have paid off and frankly I think he deserves his success. Andrew Lloyd Webber practically invented the musical theatre of today. So many people would not even be in the industry if it had not been for him. I would put good money on the fact that most people who want to be musical theatre performers were so because they loved an ALW musical. ALW is driven by publicity? Whoa heaven forbid the man should actually be able to run a business!!

Interesting too that Andrew Lloyd Webber is being criticised for not giving more money to charity, yet funny how none of you have slammed Cameron Mackintosh for the endless publicity that Mary Poppins got. Mary Poppins was given a 10 minute "advert" in Children In Need! Did Cameron donate any of the money from increased ticket sales from that; as suggested by one of the posters on a different thread? Hell no. Mary Poppins also appeared in the Queen's Birthday party; once again prime time exposure. Yet, no one seem to be bothered about criticising Cameron Mackintosh.

It makes me sick to think that such an endevour is being shunned by people who call themselves both theatre and musical theatre lovers. I for one am absolutely overjoyed that this programme is being made. At the end of the day it is another programme that promotes Musical Theatre in the West End. I am very lucky in that I work in the industry and live close to London so that I can see shows when I want and I'm able to learn a lot about the industry through my work. I think it is terrible that people here would criticise something that is providing much more insight into its respective industry than PopIdol or X-Factor ever will!