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CCPA performers take Mary Poppins magic on the road

Mary Poppins runs April 22 to 30 at McPherson Playhouse
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Julie Mombourquette plays the title role in the Canadian College of the Performing Arts’ presentation of Mary Poppins with Chase Sander (Bert) at her side April 22 to 30 at McPherson Playhouse.

Julie Mombourquette guarantees she and her cohorts at the Canadian College of the Performing Arts can convey the magic of Mary Poppins in this month’s performance at McPherson Playhouse.

She’ll do more than offer A Spoonful of Sugar – Mombourquette will fly.

“I’m not really nervous about it,” said Mombourquette, originally from Saskatoon.

“Luckily no one’s afraid of heights,” added Chase Sander of Victoria.

“We’re using projections and special effects,” said Darold Roles, director. That includes hiring Las Vegas company Flying by Foy to lift Mary and Bert as just one of the magical moments of the musical.  “It’s going to be a great spring delight.”

The CCPA performance takes the magic that started with the book by P.L. Travers and adds the Disney elements to the Broadway version for “the most lush musical production we’ve done,” Roles said.

Also one of their longest runs, April 22 to 30 at McPherson, Mary Poppins features a traditional double cast of 35, meaning each of the 65 CCPA students appear on stage at some point.

Mombourquette and Sander portray Mary and Bert in one cast of the the CCPA musical that features stunning sets, whirling choreography and about 400 costumes.

“It’s lot of work for not just the cast but everyone,” Mombourquette said.

Mary Poppins is the nanny for an unhappy family offering solutions in a most peculiar way. Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary must teach the family how to value each other again, taking the children on many memorable adventures. Even the adults learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises “Anything can happen if you let it.”

“It has lovely themes about family and friendship… simple, but things we need to remember in this day and age,” Roles said. The production features a series of his favourite musical songs, including Feed the Birds, Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and A Spoonful of Sugar.

“There are actually a lot of hit songs in there,” Roles said.  “It’s going to be a supercalifragilistic time.”

With passionate up-and-coming performers on stage, and messages of finding the special in the mundane, it’s a show for all ages, said Mombourquette.

“The music is so beautiful. It’s a really beautiful story about finding the beauty in the childhood as adults,” said Mombourquette. “There’s something for everyone. There’s an importance being an adult and finding the magic in everyday life. Something as little as flying a kite can be the best experience.”

Mary Poppins runs April 22 to 30 at McPherson Playhouse in Victoria. Tickets $35 to $45 are available through the box office 250-386-6121.