An encore must go on
A feat of musical and theatrical talent and logistics, Mary Poppins performed to rave reviews last weekend but had to finish on Sunday.
Yet the cast could not stop themselves …. The chorus of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and other big dance numbers rang out from Wenona’s amphitheatre in an impromptu lunchtime encore of highlights - complete with all choreography - as girls eating lunches looked on and an appreciative crowd grew.
Three hundred auditioned, less than half were chosen for the show, staged at The Concourse Theatre Chatswood. They then worked through three months’ rehearsals to bring the story of Mary Poppins to life.
“Our performing arts students are an extraordinarily talented group and were brilliantly cast. Kate Carey, who has performed for Opera Australia, truly captured Mary,” said Kim Lemon, the show’s Producer and Wenona’s Director of Performing Arts.
The previous day at Senior Assembly, Performing Arts Prefect Cordelia MacLeay thanked the huge cast of 125 and about 20 crew for their incredible efforts. She also thanked all those directing and supervising the show, saying every one of these students, including boys from Shore, St Aloysius’ College and Redlands, was grateful for all they’d gained learned from external Director Mr Jordan Vassallo, and Choreographer Mr Cameron Boxall, Ms Kim Lemon, Musical Director and Head of Music, Ms Jessica Farrell, and wardrobe supremos Mrs Karin Hooper and Mrs Suzie Riley and their team of more than a dozen tireless workers on hair, makeup and still more costumes.