There have been some big moments for the director/choreographer of Variety Theatre Ashburton’s Mary Poppins.
Among them Madison Thew-Keyworth saw the first rehearsal where the show’s live orchestra and cast perform together.
The 36-year-old Australian-based theatre professional is confident it will go well, and excited as it gets closer to opening night on Friday.
Thew-Keyworth is herself a huge Mary Poppins fan.
She saw the original production on Broadway in New York in 2011.
She said it was a show full of magic, joy and wonder.
Bringing the magic required hard work, as the show was a technically difficult one.
Scenes included not only where Mary Poppins flies, but also where large items pop out of a magic carpet bag, and where a ruined kitchen rebuilds itself.
‘‘It’s a show that’s full of wonder, especially when she flies and those magic moments occur. I feel like a 10-year-old.’’
Thew-Keyworth has been a director/ choreographer for 18 years, working on productions around Australia, and for Variety in New Zealand.
This is the first time she has ever worked on Mary Poppins, and the fifth time she has worked for Variety.
‘‘Being back here five times now, it feels like a home away from home,’’ she said.
- Mary Poppins will stage at the Ashburton Event Centre May 16 to 24. Tickets at the event centre, or asheventcentre.co.nz
