The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical stars Connie Fisher, the 23-year-old telesales worker who beat 6,000 hopefuls to the lead role during the reality TV series “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?” The show attracted more publicity when Simon Shepherd, who was cast as Captain Von Trapp, departed the production after two public performances. Alexander Hanson has taken over the role.

Hanson recently appeared in the Chichester Festival production of Tonight at 8.30. His other stage credits include the Royal National Theatre’s The Villain’s Opera, Troilus and Cressida, Candide and The Merchant of Venice. His West End musicals include Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love and We Will Rock You.

Joining Fisher and Hanson in Jeremy Sams’ production is popular soprano Lesley Garrett as Mother Abbess.

The cast also includes Lauren Ward as The Baroness, Ian Gelder as Max, Sophie Bould as Liesel, and Neil McDermott as Rolf. Choreography is by Arlene Phillips and design by Robert Jones.

The Sound of Music originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

For more on The Sound of Music, which is co-produced by Lloyd Webber and David Ian, call (0)870 890 1108 or log on to www.soundofmusiclondon.com.