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    Underwood to play Maria von Trapp in NBC's 'Sound'

    Associated Press – Fri, Nov 30, 2012 12:32 PM EST

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Carrie Underwood will star in NBC's live broadcast of "The Sound of Music" late next year.

    A news release says the former "American Idol" champion and Grammy-winning country star will play Maria von Trapp in a live performance based on the musical. It will air around the holidays in 2013.

    The role is Underwood's most significant work as an actress yet. She played a small part in the 2011 film "Soul Surfer" and has served as co-host of the Country Music Association Awards for five years.

    In von Trapp, she's tackling a beloved character whose popularity has endured for decades. The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical debuted on Broadway in 1959 and the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews won the best picture Academy Award.

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    Online:

    http://carrieunderwoodofficial.com

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    For the latest country music news from the Associated Press: http://twitter.com/AP_Country.

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