The cast, band and crew of Saugeen District Secondary School's Musical Theatre production Mary Poppins at their dress rehearsal May 28.

Hub Staff

After weeks of acting, singing, dancing and rehearsing, the Saugeen District Secondary School's (SDSS) Musical Theatre production of Mary Poppins has come together and is ready to be delivered with a spoonful of sugar for its opening night May 31.

The cast got together for a dress rehearsal May 28 for a chance to experience the play in costume. “This is a long day. We're going to 8 o'clock tonight,” said Producer Patty Underwood.

On May 29 Grades 7 and 8 students from three Saugeen Shores elementary schools had the chance to catch a sneak peek of the show, giving the cast an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience before opening night.

Underwood said there were over 40 cast members and approximately 20 volunteers involved in the show. “Behind the scenes is amazing what everybody does.” She said the volunteers, which includes a team of parents, had helped build props and sets and took part in a painting night. “The art students helped with all the details. There's so much talent around.”

Underwood said that in addition to playing their parts on stage, students also helped with production and in addition to props were involved with public relations and costumes. “Kids will sew, they'll do different running and stuff for the costumes. They have to see both sides of it,” she said.

Some of the costumes came from Billy Bishop Museum in Owen Sound and Underwood praised them for lending a hand. “We made some and we got some from Billy Bishop Museum. They have been absolutely amazing.”

Underwood said that one of the more interesting and challenging aspects of the show have been the special effects. “The magic tricks have been challenging for us,” said Underwood. “It's the first show that's got a lot of magic in it. We have the magic cupboard, the magic cake, the magic table, we have the bag that stuff comes up from,” she recalled.

“It's really cool to see the kids all participate and really come together. They're coming and saying what can I do, what can I do. They'll jump into anything, there's nothing they won’t do,” said Underwood, who added that ticket sales have been going well. “I think opening night is almost sold out,” she said.

Mary Poppins runs May 31, June 1 and June 2 at 7 p.m. with two shows on June 3, 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and available at Cathy's Flowers 'N Treasures in Port Elgin, SDSS's main office and online at bwdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Index.

Some of the characters of the show at their dress rehearsal were, from left, George Banks (Liam Nicoll), Winifred Banks (Hallie Acton), Bert (Jack Flarity) and Mary Poppins (Audrey Turcotte).

The Banks children were Jane (left), played by MacKenzie Shular and Michael, played by Josie Berry.

Did they just move? There may be more to these two statues, a.k.a. Chloe Swarbrick (left) and Marissa Kahgee, than meets the eye.

The finely dressed Miss Lark, played by Hanna Lynch with her dog Willoughby, played by Coco.

Fiona Miller, right, was keeping a lawful eye on these four sister suffragettes (left to right) Jenn Piel, Rachel Tidman, Susie Newbigging and Jordyn Lyoness.

And just where would Mary Poppins be without music? The show's Music Director, SDSS music teacher Kerri Lynn Boys directs the band through some of the classic Mary Poppins songs.

One of the shows scenes with the Banks family, (left to right) Winifred (Hallie Acton), George (Liam Nicoll), Jane (MacKenzie Shular) and Michael (Josie Berry).

Tyler Schropp performing as Admiral Boom at the Mary Poppins dress rehearsal May 28.