By EILEEN WALDER
WHAT a thoroughly beautiful show! If you haven’t got tickets to see “Mary Poppins” at Noosa Arts then phone, log on or call in to the box office today.
Yes I am full of superlatives for this production. Ebony Hamacek and Sean McDermott are simply perfect as Mary and Bert.
From the very first moment Sean is the chirpy Cockney who has the audience eating out of his hand. He sings and dances with the broadest smile, endearing him to everyone, right to the finale. He reminded me of a young Tommy Steele, (who only Poms of my vintage will remember).
Ebony is the most beautiful and determined Mary anyone could wish for. She has charmed us with her musical talents before but now gets to prove her acting can easily capture the maturity required in this role.
The youngsters playing Jane and Michael on opening night, Indiah Morris and Roy Crozier were superb. Pint-sized Roy never missed a beat or a step in the song and dance numbers.
As the long-suffering Mrs Banks, Emma Morgan had all our sympathy. In fact, every single person on that stage shone and I always make a point of watching them all individually, a habit from my days as theatre and film reviewer.
Margaret Courtney’s costumes and Susan Dearnley’s props were brilliant. I just loved those dancing statues.
Anna Quayle’s choreography was mind-blowing, considering the size of the cast and the ages from 10 to … well … very mature. That “Chimney Sweep” number was a show-stopper and raised the roof.
Directors, Neil Pattenden who also played Mr Banks, and Jo Hendrie can be very proud of the result of their collaboration. The whole hard-working backstage crew deserve to make a curtain call too. I even spotted set builder, Nelson Tomlin, appropriately dressed, up among the chimney tops!
The children I spoke to afterwards were so thrilled to have seen this production. One little boy’s only disappointment was that Mary should have flown around the auditorium.
Please don’t let your children be the ones to miss out as some did for the pantomime because Mummy didn’t book. You won’t want to miss it too. Call 5449 9343.
