Insight

CO-CURRICULAR

Mary Poppins Jr Nurtures Delight and Joy

By Mrs Eirlys Mendes, Secondary Teacher

At the end of Term 2, 148 students from Year 1 to Year 12 showcased their performance talents including singing, dancing and acting in the Toongabbie Christian College performance of Mary Poppins Jr. Students embraced the chance to bring to life the classic tale of the magical nanny who comes to rescue the Banks family from suppressive precision and order. Mary Poppins Jr proved a popular choice drawing a record number of student participants including 66 Secondary and 82 Primary School performers. Each student volunteered and embraced their respective roles of lead cast member, ensemble performer or stage crew . No small feat with just 13 weeks of rehearsals. Bi-weekly rehearsals commenced in Week 7 Term 1, with a 4-show run from 27 to 29 June. The run concluded with sold out shows for the Saturday matinee and evening performances. The day prior to opening night, Toongabbie Christian College invited three local schools to view the final dress rehearsal. Approximately 300 students were enthralled with the calibre of our students’ performances and attempted to spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Our Year 12 students showcased leadership by example as they evinced vigour and sparkle as the Mary Poppins lead characters. Tahlia Coxon’s Mary Poppins and Joshua Wilson’s Bert were confident and compelling, who invited and transported the audience into 1912, Cherry Tree Lane. Notwithstanding the visual feast of Mary Poppins and the invitation to enjoy the spectral colour and movement on stage, it was the building of community within the diverse cast that highlighted the joy of being a part of a Christian production. It was great to see students who would not normally have interacted working together with the metaphorical and physical boundaries of the College being removed. during intermission: a skill each of the 148 Mary Poppins Jr cast members can excel.

12

Toongabbie Christian College