MARY POPPINS JR
- writeonarts
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
Director: Brianna Haddock
Choreographer: Rachael Bloemendal
Music Director: Baxter Ward
Producer: Morrinsville Theatre
27 June – 11 July 2025
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr opened last night to a full house at Morrinsville Theatre. Junior versions of musical theatre shows are shorter than the full version due to reduced dialogue and musical numbers. The songs are vocally designed for a cast under the age of 18 years.
Cast in the titular role was Jamie Phillips. Phillip’s vocal technique was practically perfect in every way. As Mary Poppins, she was composed, amusing and had the wise disposition required to ensure a true performance as the magical nanny.
Sixteen-year-old Meadow Park (Bert) was exceptional. Park’s performance CV is longer than many adults, and all this experience culminated in an assured and entertaining portrayal of loveable Bert.
Julian Domingo (George Banks) is fairly new to the theatre scene but delivered the role with precision and order. The lower end of his vocal range had a beautiful tone. Alongside him was Fleur Raynes (Winifred Banks). Her experience with theatre productions through St Peter’s Cambridge and vocal training was evident as she moved with grace and confidence embodying the mother of unruly children.
The roles of Jane and Michael Banks have been double-cast with Emma Lamb and Kahurangi Potae-Tamatea playing Jane, and Elliot Callaghan and Oracle Strother playing Michael. Lamb was the breakout star of last year’s Morrinsville Theatre production of Annie, and last night she again showed her natural talent for musical theatre. Opposite her was Elliot Callaghan who gave an adorable performance as the misbehaving Michael.
Esme Pullar played Shovels, a sidekick to Bert. Her interactions with Park were utterly endearing as the pair joked and had the time of their lives portraying fun-loving chimneysweeps.
The entire ensemble was extremely well cast and they had multiple opportunities to change costumes and personify different characters in the world of Edwardian England. A special mention to Ezra Arnephy (John Northbank and Ensemble) who had a standout opening night performance sharing his acting and vocal talents.
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is invariably a colourful and showstopping number with complicated choreography. This was true of last night’s performance as the audience’s applause lingered, delighting the cast. However, the scene stealing moment was “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” that included some unexpected magical moments.
Haddock’s production team was made up of past and current students from Wintec’s Te Kawau Toi Music and Performing Arts programme. Graduate Rachel Bloemendal who is currently touring Australia with Madagascar choreographed the numerous energetic routines. Featuring canons, tap, and acrobatics, Bloemendal with current Wintec student and dance assistant Aroha Whaanga had drilled the routines so thoroughly that the cast were confident in their movements and positioning. This was a massive feat given the size of the cast.
Another current Te Kawai Toi student Baxter Ward took on the roles of music director, conductor and ran the sound desk. Ward, with the assistance of Wintec student Georgia Willats as vocal director, ensured the singing was harmonious with intricate layers and depth.
The joyous and sparkly-eyed cast shone, and the much-loved songs and dialogue were delivered at an appropriate pace. This contemporary production was colourful and paid homage to the movie and large staged versions, while also establishing itself as a reimagined and modern take on a classic. Haddock’s Mary Poppins Jr was enchanting.
With four of the remaining 12 performances sold out, and another four on the brink of being fully sold, this season is shaping up to be a smash hit for the Morrinsville Theatre community.
Photos: Sam Niven
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