Charmaine Flies In As Wollongong's Mary Poppins
The challenge of playing one of the most iconic characters in musical theatre history is what drove Charmaine Gibbs to audition for the lead role in MoonGlow Productions’ upcoming season of Mary Poppins.
Now one of Wollongong’s best-known leading ladies is prepared to take that challenge head-on, when MoonGlow Productions season of the Disney classic hits the WIN Entertainment Centre between July 9-11.
“There really is pretty much nothing that this role doesn't cover, which makes it both an exhilarating and completely terrifying prospect,” Ms Gibbs said.
“Mary Poppins is such an iconic character with so many intricacies, that the challenge was just too tempting to not at least go for it.”
The role of Mary Poppins is widely considered one of the most demanding for any leading lady, and Gibbs has committed months of rehearsals to perfecting the part.
“I've played some pretty demanding characters in the past who have massive amounts of stage time such as the one woman show Tell me on a Sunday, Diana in Next to Normal, Florence Vassey in Chess the Musical, The Bakers Wife in Into the Woods, and Maria in The Sound of Music, but I have to say Mary Poppins is in a league of her own.”
While she hasn’t watched Julie Andrews performance in the much-loved Disney film since she was a child, Ms Gibbs has spent her down time reading the original Mary Poppins books, written by P.L Travers to help prepare.
“I want to stay true to what the desires of the character are from the creators but I also want to make her just a little bit my own.
“I've been reading the books and studying up on Travers as I want to understand what she wanted and be true to her more than anything.”
Joining Ms Gibbs on stage will be a host of some of the Illawarra’s talented musical theatre fraternity, including Dane Sanderson.
Sanderson, who’s family has been involved with dancing and musicals in the Illawarra for over 30 years, is thrilled to be playing everyone’s favourite Chimney Sweep, Bert.
“The dances are so energetic and remind you of all the great numbers you remember from the movie,” Sanderson said.
“Songs like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Jolly Holiday and Step in Time are some of the best dance numbers I’ve ever seen.”
MoonGlow Productions’ seasons of Mary Poppins will be the first time the show has been performed in the Illawarra.
In 2013, MoonGlow staged an award-winning season of Hairspray at the WIN Entertainment Centre for the first time, and last year brought the Australian amateur premiere of Legally Blonde the Musical to life at the same venue.
“Mary Poppins is the biggest show we have performed, and that is saying a lot,” MoonGlow Executive Producer Michael Glover said.
“Not only do we need to have everything on-stage choreographed, but also everything that happens off-stage because this show just has so many elements to it.”
“We are absolutely honoured to be bringing this show to life, and to have so many wonderful people on board, from a cast of 50, to a crew that has been working around the clock designing sets, costumes, props and anything they can to ensure we hit the mark.”
The WIN Entertainment Centre will hold audiences of close to 1000 for each performance and Gibbs says she feels privileged to be playing Mary Poppins in her hometown.
“Wollongong has been so good to me and incredibly supportive.
“I know when I will be waiting side stage to get out there, I'll be focusing on getting the job done and trying NOT to think about the amount of people ... but I know I’ll be incredibly excited!”
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.au or by calling 136 100.
Images (from top): Charmaine Gibbs, Dane Sanderson, & Kathryn Edmonds and Darryl Bryant.
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