TV: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

No one is safe from reality TV. Not even Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber. Yes, he jumped on the band wagon, too. And even if this genre is running on its last leg, that doesn't mean a good idea can't resurrect it a bit. Or as I've now learned from this British TV show, a wee bit.

Introducing, "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?" A new BBC program searching for the next leading lady to play - you guessed it - Maria, in Weber's new production of The Sound of Music. The winning lady will covet her role on stage at London's West End Theater starting in October.

I live no where near the West End. But thanks to the magic of torrents, you too can see what other countries are doing with insta-fame reality TV.

The last "reality abroad" show I watched was based in Australia, and it was so much fun. But it went on forever. The difference between European and America reality TV is the Europeans have not yet mastered the fine art of "reality editing" yet. They show... everything. Nor have they learned the art of "leading an audience on". I think these hour-long series are broadcasted one day after the next. In America we like to drag these puppies out for months, interspersing "highlight shows" or "remember when we showed you this clip an hour ago" segments.

In America we'll do anything to distract you from the fact that... nothing is happening. Here, reality stars like to say, "I barely noticed the cameras." In Europe, they politely ask the crew to, "Bugger off".

Additionally, Europeans mix the pretty girls in with the not-so-pretty girls. As though they're equals or something. In America we like to pitch an entire show around the concept of not-so-pretty girls, as if the mere idea is so earth shattering we have to broadcast it immediately between commercials for Dodge Sierras and Lucky Charms.

European TV is, simpler. The sets less contrived, the dialogue a bit cheekier, the teeth not as white, the costumes more Target, less Barney's. The contestants rip each other to threads with nary a concern, then pour their hearts out to the camera like they're real people or something. Not wannabe actors who just play real on TV.

On that note, I have to tell you, check out this little clip from my new favorite summer TV show.