Mary Poppins Opens

Mary Poppins opened in Melbourne last night as the 6th production globally. The Musicals Insider was there to cover all the action.

As to be expected, it opened with much aplomb, with spectacular effects and performances from all cast members. Indeed the cast could not have been better. Particular standouts were Kurtis Papadinis and Hayley Edwards, given the honour of playing Jane and Michael Banks on opening night. The extensive search for a Practically Perfect Mary Poppins seems well worth the effort, with Verity Hunt-Ballad deliciously impish, yet authorative.
It is great to see Phillip Quast back on the Australian Stage. He and Marina Prior as Mr and Mrs Banks work very well with each other, while Sally-Anne Upton has perfect comedic timing with the character of Mrs Brill.
Matt Lee is better than expected as Bert, but loses the vital Cockney accent from time to time. With time however this can only improve.
From a technical perspective, at times the volume seemed to be far too quiet. Big numbers were adversely affected by quieter sounds, diminishing what should be big-hitting, high-impacting moments.

But all minor problems are engulfed by the majestic and creative sets, with a showstopper in practically every scene. Special shout-outs go to songs Practically Perfect, the co-ordination required to perform Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, the entire cast performing Step In Time and the magical effects involved in Spoonful of Sugar.
The only scene proving a little odd involves a giant lit up Parrot Umbrella... We're still not too sure about that one.



The Red Carpet included a who's who of the Theatre and Entertainment Industries, with guests including David Campbell, James Hird, Eddie McGuire, Megan Castran, Angela Bishop, Josh Thomas, Daryl Summers, Patti Newton, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Jeanne Pratt, Liz Stiles, Flip Simmons, Rhonda Burchmore, Russel Gilbert, Jason Coleman, Alan Fletcher, John Brumby, Ruby Rose and Vince Colosimo.

British taxis were used to transport guests to the lavish afterparty at the Sofitel, with umbrellas adorning the ceiling. Waiters dressed as Chimney Sweeps served a selection of British foods and drinks, including cheeses, pavlovas, ice cream in waffle cones and spoonfuls of sugar.

Mary Poppins is truly the theatre event of the season. The season is selling exceptionally well, so get your tickets now.

Another Risky Musical?

On the back of Dr. Zhivago's launch, Gordon Frost has confirmed it will premiere it's other new musical, An Officer and a Gentleman, in Sydney early 2012.

Do You Hear The People Sing?

A revival of Les Mis to hit Australia in 2012. More info as it comes.

Dr. Z, Z, Calling Dr Z.

Doctor Zhivago the Musical has been launched in Sydney today. It will play in the Lyric theatre, not in the Capitol as predicted.
The female leads were not announced today, indicating there has still been problems finding suitable actresses.
Zhivago will have a limited 8 week run beginning Friday the 11th of Feb 2011. Tickets are currently on sale via Ticketmaster, using the password Doctor.
The show is expected to transfer to Melbourne at some point for another 8 week season, most likely into the Princess Theatre after Hairspray or Her Majesty's Theatre later in the year.

Get in quick!

Inside sources have revealed Hairspray's booking on the Princess Theatre is even shorter than expected - 4 months initially with a 2 month extension possible.

It does make us wonder though - what is booked into the Princess after those 6 months?

Adelaide... Meet Lucy Durack

Lucy Durack will be a special guest star at Adelaide's ASMF cocktail party this Wednesday night at the Adelaide EntertainmentCentre. Tickets are still avaliable but will not be for much longer.

Anyone wishing to see Erin Hasan perform the role of Glinda before she departs the production, head to the Wednesday night and most probably Wednesday Matinee shows.

Mary Poppins Understudies

We can now announce all the Mary Poppins Understudies.

Mary Poppins: Sarah Bakker, Christina Tan
Bert: Mark Hill, Drew Weston
George Banks: Michael Lindner, Adam Murphy
Winnifred Banks: Natalie Alexopoulos, Christina Tan
Ms Andrew: Louise Bell, Anna-Lee Robinson
Mrs Brill: Carrie Barr, Louise Bell, Kirsten King
Robertson Ay: Benjamin Girrard, Liam Mack
Admirale Boom/Chairman: Troy Sussman, Jack Webster
Birdwoman: Carrie Barr, Kirsten King