Students get Musical with Mary Poppins

---

Benjamin Eckhoff

Role: Constable Jones & John Northbrook, a businessman.

Challenges: They were difficult roles to fill because they were all about timing - I had five costume changes throughout the show and some of them were very quick. It was a challenge to get on and off stage in time and on opening night I wound up walking out in socks with no shoes, but I think I got away with it!

Highlights: I was really proud that we managed three sold out three nights in a row. 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' was a big highlight as well as 'Step in Time'. The final scene where the set (on wheels) moved in time with the singing and dancing was awesome - when everything comes together from the orchestra, cast and lighting it's a really energising experience that fills you with confidence. I also really enjoyed improvising - things are going to change from night to night and you have to take it in you stride - the ability to make mistakes and take it and run with it is key. I'd love to do it again!

Glenn Ericsson

Role: Admiral Boom, the Bank Chairman and the Teddy Bear

Challenges: It wasn't too hard to learn the lines, but I had to put a lot of thought into the characterisation - the Admiral needed a more gruff accent (think Sean Connery), while the Bank Chairman needed to be more posh and upper class.

Highlights: Playing the Teddy Bear was really fun (Glenn was able to bring through some of the performance techniques from his other recent role as 'weird Barbie'!). Musical theatre is a great combination of singing, dancing and acting and I really enjoy putting all 3 talents together.

Cohen Harris

Role: Robertson Ay - Houseboy

Challenges: It was quite a physically comical role I hadn't done that sort of slapstick style before so it was fun to give it a go! It was challenging at first but once I got to know the character everything started to become relatively natural. My part all came together pretty quickly as my character was added to the blocking a bit later on in production.

Highlights: We had a really great reception, I got plenty of laughs and a good bit of recognition for my role after the show! One highlight was when my comedy duo partner Jess and I got thrown a few curveballs during the performances and there were moments when we had to improvise. I feel like we pulled it off really well and kept everything on track and got some laughs too - I'm proud of my ability to riff confidently! I'm glad Mum encouraged me to sign up - honestly I wasn't sure about it at first, but I found the show really fun - the energy is infectious and when everyone is working together you get lost in the moment.

Harper Milne

Role: I played as George Banks, the father of Jane and Michael Banks, a banker who initially prioritises order and discipline in his household over his children's happiness. I had a few individual singing and dancing parts with the character as well.

Challenges: It was almost down to the wire until I was quite happy with where I was at in the end.

Highlights: Our on-stage improv when things didn't go to plan. Even though we shouldn't have needed to improvise, it was still funny! If you really enjoy live theatre, dancing and songs - it makes it more than worth it when they all come together.

Max Smith

Role: I played Neleus - a statue in the park that comes to life in the Jolly Holiday scene. In the role I needed to act, sing and dance. I also sang and danced in several other key musical items in the show, including tap dancing in the Step in Time piece. 

Challenges: A lot of practice was involved! We had nearly full day rehearsals every Sunday for a few months as well as Tuesday and Wednesday evening rehearsals and occasional Monday nights too. In the final weeks we had extra rehearsals including school time to prepare at the Mayfair. 

Highlights: Working as a team and the feeling of being on the stage like a star! The cast hoodie was also great to get. Getting to know and performing alongside the leads - Joseph Kelly and Imogen Harrison (Bert and Mary) who are amazing talented performers. Full house audiences were awesome too!

A big congratulations to all the students who took part, and to Columba College for putting on an amazing school show - thank you for hosting our boys for this wonderful opportunity!