Lloyd Webber coming to Canada early to work with potential Marias

British theatre great Andrew Lloyd Webber will be working with the final four contestants of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? for two weeks before a winner is chosen in the CBC-TV reality show.

Lloyd Webber's publicist issued a statement Monday saying he is coming to Canada a week early to work with the remaining contestants.

After Monday's episode, four women are left vying for the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, to be mounted this September in Toronto.

They are:

• Elicia MacKenzie, 23, of Vancouver.
• Jayme Armstrong, 24, of Vancouver.
• Marisa McIntyre, 25, of Toronto.
• Janna Polzin, 24, of Toronto.

Lloyd Webber's publicist said he doesn't have concerns about how the contest is working out, but wants to make sure the right contestant is picked.

"It could prove disastrous if the wrong girl is picked, not only because my reputation is on the line, but because we have got to find a girl who can really do this," Lloyd Webber said in a statement.

"The public has a huge responsibility towards the winner as she has got to be able to cope with the grueling reality of performing a demanding role week in and week out," he said.

He will sit as a judge for the last four shows, alongside musical supervisor Simon Lee, vocal coach Elaine Overholt and Broadway leading man John Barrowman.

After the finale of the show July 28, the winner goes directly into rehearsals with the Mirvish Production of The Sound of Music.

Lloyd Webber, who pioneered the concept of casting musical theatre with the British version of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? is co-producing both the TV show and the stage production.