SACKVILLE, N.B. — They call it magical and fantastical; a classic Disney show that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
And they are excited to bring it to the stage of Convocation Hall next weekend.
Garnet & Gold Musical Theatre Society is getting set to present this year’s production – the wonderfully-enchanting story of Mary Poppins.
“It’s just such a classic,” said Sarah Workman, a second-year Mount Allison student who plays the role of Jane Banks. “You know the tunes, you know the show . . . it’s just so much fun.”
The cast and crew have been working hard and putting in long hours to get ready for the show, which runs from Thursday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Feb. 1.
Laura Scaravelli, this year’s president and vocal director for Garnet & Gold, said the production was chosen by the executive last spring on the heels of Hello Dolly. Since it had been a few years since G&G had put on a family-centered show, they decided to once again bring a Disney classic to the stage, one that would engage more of the community.
“We wanted to have a big one this year,” said Scaravelli.
And she’s happy they did.
“It’s just one of those shows . . . I think every day since we picked it, we just keep finding more and more reasons we’re glad we picked it.”
The musical brings a more nuanced version of Mary Poppins to the audience than from the original 1964 film, Scaravelli explained.
“It’s a lot deeper than the movie.”
Mirren Lithwick, who is taking on the role of Mrs. Banks in the show, agreed, saying it features a number of deep themes and messages that both children and adults can identify with.
“It’s not just a copy-paste of the movie. It’s got its own unique identity.”
Scaravelli, who is in her fourth year with G&G, said auditions for the show brought out plenty of talent, with many returnees and lots of new faces.
“I’m amazingly happy with the cast we have this year. They’re absolutely wonderful.”
In particular, she said Victoria Rust, a fourth-year student who plays the title role, is “our biggest treasure” this year.
“She’s just so perfect for the role,” said Scaravelli.
There’s also a huge chorus ensemble that will bring all of the musical production numbers to life, she said. From Step in Time to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to Spoonful of Sugar, Mary Poppins is heavy with song-and-dance numbers that will energize the audience.
“What really makes a great cast is how much work they put in,” added Lithwick.
Scaravelli also gives tribute to the production team of about 25 members who “have poured their heart into the show,” while working with the challenge of putting on a large-scale production with a small-scale budget.
Even with all the hard work being put in by the cast and crew, all agree the effort has certainly been worth it.
Lithwick, who has been involved with G&G for the past four years and has taken on several lead roles in that time, said she has kept returning every year because “it was so much fun and I just felt so welcome.”
She said she has made lasting friendships from her time with the musical theatre society and she’s glad she has been a part of such a “genuinely fun experience.”
Fiona Clancey, who plays Michael Banks, said she had been involved in theatre in high school but decided to take a break from it in her first year of university. But when she heard about this year’s production from Scaravelli, Clancey, who is now in her second year, decided she just couldn’t stay away.
“It’s been really fun.”
Workman said it’s definitely been challenging with such a heavy schedule of daily rehearsals since they returned from Christmas break but it’s been a rewarding experience.
“This is when you really start to see the show coming together.”
Directed by Karen Valanne and stage managed by Micci Davey, Mary Poppins will also feature a full pit orchestra. The show runs from Thursday, Jan 30 to Saturday, Feb. 1 with shows at 8 p.m. each night, and a matinee on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Convocation Hall (as well as a Friday matinee for area schools). Tickets are available at Tidewater Books, Jean Coutu or the Mount Allison Student Union office, and at the door.
Did You Know?
Garnet & Gold, founded in 1932, is one of the oldest and largest societies at Mount Allison University. Initially an offshoot of the Mount Allison Choral Society, its very first production was Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. In its early years, G&G was known as the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, producing mainly shows by the pair. G&G became an official Mount Allison society in the 1960s, began to diversify its performances in the 1980s, and since that time, Garnet & Gold has produced a wide variety of Broadway musicals. From Willy Wonka to The Sound of Music, from the Pirates of Penzance to The Wizard of Oz, university students and community members come together every year to create the productions.
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