The Arts Club has done it again…their musical production of Mary Poppins is a foot stomping, hand clapping, sing-a-long show of perfection. The 2013 cast of Mary Poppins has returned to the Stanley Theatre. While the kids have sprouted – Jane (played by Kassia Danielle Malmquist) is nearly the size of Mr & Mrs Banks – their voices have matured beautifully and their confidence on stage is fantastic.
The standing ovation belongs to Sara-Jeanne Hosie for her portrayal of Mary Poppins. She beautifully blends the kind and caring aspects of Mary Poppins with the no nonsense demeanour that even Michael (played by Graham Verchere) comes to love by the end of the performance. Ms Hosie’s voice is beautiful and when paired with her precise movements, turned out feet, and spot-on elocution she becomes practically perfect in every way.
Song favourites like Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Step In Time, and A Spoonful of Sugar are heaps of fun to watch. The kids were clapping their hands and bouncing in their seats. Speaking of seats, I need to send out a big thank you to the Arts Club for their provision of FREE booster seats for the smaller audience members. It was lovely being able to watch the show without having to try and see around my kid’s large noggin.
All of the performers in the Arts Club’s production of Mary Poppins deserve a shout-out. There isn’t a weak cast member on stage. Everyone commits fully to their character, they all seem to love the show, and their enthusiasm is infectious. There are consummate professionals.
For anyone who attended the performance last year, you know you are in for a treat. It is clear many are eager to see the show again as there are already 15 SOLD OUT SHOWS! If you need one final Christmas gift, you won’t go wrong giving a loved one the opportunity to see a show that pleases the young and old alike. The Arts Club production of Mary Poppins runs until January 4th, 2015.
