By Mr Dean Pepplinkhouse – Head of Middle School
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious. If you say it loud enough you’ll always sound precocious. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
The spectacular Middle School Musical performance of Mary Poppins Jr went off with great applause last week. It showcased the amazing singing, dancing, and acting talent of over 80 students and backstage crew. All performers are to be thoroughly congratulated on the end production and their commitment to over 6 months of gruelling rehearsals.
The musical followed chimney sweep and jack of all trades, Bert (performed by Lochie Pantazis) as he told the story of the troubled Banks family. Young Jane (Chloe Lang) and Michael Banks (Lincoln Stevanov) had exhausted a long list of nannies, until they are introduced to the enigmatic Mary Poppins (Abigail Bradford). Following many magical and memorable adventures, Mary Poppins helps to turn around the fortunes and outlook of their family, including the stubborn Mr Banks (Tristan Kleiner).
Amazing productions are a direct result of the time and effort students and their parents give towards all of the rehearsals. The success of school musicals relies heavily on the special talents and extensive commitment of over 20 staff involved. The countless hours they put in to the show and the nurturing of all of the cast and crew to allow them to perform as well as they did, was a credit to all involved. Director – Mrs Deb Godsell, the Musical Coordinators – Mrs Natasha Davey and Mrs Jenni Coombs, Costume Coordinator- Mrs Allison Weir and Prop and Set Coordinator – Mrs Simone Loughnan have to be thanked for their enormous contribution and expertise. The Vocal Directors led by Mrs Helen Gilmore and Ms Suzanne Kinsella also worked tirelessly to coach the voice talent for all of the performers.
Special mention and thank you should also go to the two Year 11 student choreographers Mackenzie Kelly and Mia Stanley and former student Ellie Robertson who created the many dance numbers on display.
The benefits of being involved in a production of this magnitude are many, and the memories those involved will have of their experience will last a lifetime. Once again, congratulations to all for a performance that was, in the words of Mary Poppins herself, practically perfect in every way.
