A brand new experience for Oak Bay, Mary Poppins is floating down into the Dave Dunnet theatre Friday, Feb. 22.
Almost 100 students are taking part in the performance, director Steve Price said.
“We have 42 on stage, we have 20 in the stage crew, we have 15 in the costume and makeup crew, and we have 21 in the band,” Price said. “It’s coming really well actually, it’s a very complex show. We pride ourselves on it being student driven, so I’m the only adult in the house when we start going.”
The show is filled with special effects, something that has been challenging even for the Grade 12 lead actors to grapple.
“Tackling a show like Mary Poppins comes with a lot of magic, and making the magic happen can be difficult at times,” said Leah Zack, who plays Mary. “When it finally works out it’s pretty rewarding.”
“I don’t have as many special effects, but this is the most dance-heavy role I’ve ever had,” said Shaemus Swets, who plays Bert. “It’s definitely a lot more of knowing where to be and when to be there. Making sure — because I’m in the front of most of the songs I’m dancing in — that everything is clean and structured, and done right.”
Swets said that the number for Step in Time! is one of his favourite scenes. He said it’s a tap-centric piece loaded with special effects. Zack, meanwhile, hyped up Let’s Go Fly a Kite, saying that it comes with a really important message and will be a different take on the popular song.
Mary Poppins opens Friday, Feb. 22 at the Dave Dunnet theatre. That show, along with the follow-up performances on Saturday, Feb. 23, Wednesday, Feb. 27, Thursday, Feb. 28, Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2, all start at 7:30 p.m.. There’s one matinee showing on Sunday, Feb. 24, which begins at 2 p.m..
Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $12 for adults. They can be purchased from the school office, Ivy’s Bookstore (2188 Oak Bay Ave.), or online from SD61.
WATCH MORE: Original rendition of A Christmas Carol takes over Dave Dunnet Community Theatre
jesse.laufer@oakbaynews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
