By Reia Morjaria, Year 12
The curtains rise, the stage lights brighten, and the enchanting world of Mary Poppins comes to life on the high school auditorium stage. For months, a dedicated group of talented students poured their hearts and souls into bringing this musical to their school community. Thursday evenings were sacred, marked by rehearsals that stretched from 4:30 to 6:30, and as the show neared, an additional hour until 7:30. Behind the scenes, a chaotic whirlwind of creativity and teamwork took place, allowing this musical to come to life.
While the audience is captivated by the beautiful on-stage performances, with Mary Poppins flying onto stage, the real magic unfolds backstage. Behind the curtain lay a host of bustling activities where costume changes were executed with precision, props were carefully set, and quick-witted stagehands ensured a seamless flow to the production. Backstage became a world of its own, where last-minute adjustments were made and the bond among the cast and crew grew with each passing scene and show.
As the performance dates drew near, the intensity reached its height during Tech Week. Lights, sound, mics and stage effects were meticulously fine-tuned to transform the high school auditorium into the magical world of Mary Poppins. Day-long rehearsals and technical adjustments became the norm as the cast and crew strived to be Practically Perfect. Tech Week was crucial in forging the collective efforts of everyone involved into a captivating spectacle that transported the audience to Cherry Tree Lane.
The moment of truth arrived with the final shows. Thursday night opened the curtain for the middle school audience, offering a sneak peek into the magical world created by their high school peers. Friday was the grand unveiling for the high school, a culmination of months of hard work and dedication. The most important day came with two shows on Saturday for the friends and parents, ensuring that the magic of Mary Poppins reached the widest audience possible.
As the final curtain descended on the last Saturday evening performance, the cast and crew took a collective bow, after shedding a couple of tears, basking in the applause of a satisfied audience. We gave flowers from the cast and crew to the director, musical director, choreographer and the entirety of the adult faculty that allowed us to bring this muscial to life. However, the magic didn’t end on stage. Closing night celebrations commenced, an occasion where the cast and crew came together to reflect on their journey, share anecdotes, and revel in a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
In conclusion, the high school production of Mary Poppins is more than just a series of performances; it is a testament to the dedication of a group of students and teachers who have transformed a classic tale into a living, breathing spectacle. Through Thursday rehearsals, backstage friendships, the long hours of Tech Week, the thrill of final shows, and the triumph of closing night celebrations, these students have not only brought Mary Poppins to life but have also created an unforgettable experience for themselves and their audience.
