American Star To Play Mary

American Star To Play Mary

The world’s most magical musical opens October 18 at The Civic, Auckland

American music theatre leading lady RACHEL WALLACE – one of only a very small number of artists in the world deemed capable of performing the role – will play Mary Poppins when the magical musical arrives at The Civic, Auckland this October.

Currently playing the role in Los Angeles, Rachel comes to New Zealand having received rave reviews from everywhere from Toronto to Texas.

“Rachel Wallace is charming and disarming as Mary, and her sweet voice fits this material like a glove.” BroadwayWorld.com

“Poppins-perfect enunciation, charm and style.” Time Out Chicago

“Sweet, cute, and utilizing a beautifully clear and dulcet voice, she's sure to charm audience members of all ages.” Examiner.com

A New York native, Rachel’s career has taken her to Vienna (performing at the US Embassy), to the iconic Lincoln Center in Sondheim: A Birthday Celebration and to Philadelphia for the classic Threepenny Opera.

From Los Angeles, Rachel said “New Zealand has always been on my ‘must see’ list. The opportunity to both see this beautiful country and share this story that I love is a dream!
I look forward to joining the company in Auckland. Thank you for what has already been a very warm welcome.”

THE PRODUCTION

Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, the multi-award winning musical MARY POPPINS will play The Civic, Auckland for a strictly limited season.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions, the New Zealand production of MARY POPPINS follows productions in London, New York, Australia, and Holland as well as British and North American touring productions.

Worldwide to date, the show has grossed over (USD) $731 million and welcomed over 10.3 million guests. The musical is the winner of 44 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony®, Olivier, Helpmann and Evening Standard awards. MARY POPPINS the stage musical features the Academy Award® winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

The New Zealand production of MARY POPPINS comes straight from its extraordinary success in Australia. The production opened in Melbourne July 2010 playing to 100% sold out houses for nine months. Equally successful seasons followed in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, the latter two cities selling out weeks before closing. The production was seen by 1.35 million people and has set new records at every venue played in Australia for pre-sales and advance sales. In 2011, MARY POPPINS won a record-breaking eight Australian Helpmann Awards, including Best Musical.

The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park), who wrote the book, and George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who composed new songs and additional music and lyrics. Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher have gathered a creative team of the world’s highest calibre: the production is directed by Richard Eyre with co-direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne. Set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Peter Grubb and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Associate Director is James Powell, Associate Choreographer is Geoffrey Garratt and Musical Supervisor is Stephen Brooker.

PRINCIPAL CAST

Joining Rachel Wallace for the New Zealand Mary Poppins are Australian TV and stage personalities MATT LEE as Bert and PIPPA GRANDISON as Mrs Banks, West End star SIMON BURKE as Mr Banks and New Zealand’s own DELIA HANNAH as The Birdwoman.

A judge and choreographer on Australia’s So You Think You Can Dance, Matt Lee was also the motion capture principal in the Oscar winning film Happy Feet and the choreographer on The Voice. Matt’s stage credits include Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You and he is widely recognised as a choreographer for his work with Hilary Duff, Human Nature and Guy Sebastian. Matt was awarded the 2011 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for his role in Mary Poppins.
Discovered as a 13-year-old to appear in the award-winning film The Devil’s Playground, Simon Burke’s showbiz career has now spanned decades and the globe. He returned from the West End where he starred as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music (London Palladium and Princess Theatre Toronto), to take up the role of Mr Banks. Australian musical theatre includes lead roles in Les Miserables and Chicago, while TV roles include 23 years as a host of Play School, Rescue: Special Ops, Brides of Christ and Water Rats.

Featuring on Channel Nine’s Underbelly Razor, Pippa Grandison’s other recent career highlights include playing Elphaba for the Sydney season of the Broadway smash hit Wicked. Her television credits include All Saints, Water Rats, Brides of Christ and A Country Practice. Pippa has also appeared in feature lms including Dating the Enemy, Muriel’s Wedding and Over the Hill.

Originally from the Hawke’s Bay, Delia Hannah has spent much of her career offshore, starring in massive productions by Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Her roles have included Fantine in Les Miserables, Florence in Chess (Australian and NZ productions), Anita in West Side Story, Eva Peron in Evita, Annette in Nick Enwright’s Beach Blanket Tempest, Miss Santiago in The Buddy Holly Story and Glinda in The Wizard of Oz.

"The music theatre event of the year"
The Sydney Morning Herald

"A five star triumph!"
The Times, London

"This is a great show, a perfectly engineered piece of
musical theater that has Broadway singing again!"
New York Post

"A roof-raising, toe-tapping, high flying extravaganza"
New York Daily News

"A must-see brilliant show!"
7 Network, Australia

"Mary sweeps us off our feet"
Daily Telegraph, London
Previews from 13 Oct 2012, Opens 18 Oct 2012
Call 0800 BUY TICKETS
Visit www.marypoppinsthemusical.co.nz
In Person Aotea Centre Box Office, Auckland or any Ticketmaster outlet
Groups 10+ Call 09 375 3200 or email groups@the-edge.co.nz

ENDS

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