Audiences were treated to a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance!
In Term 1, students from Middle School and Senior College took to the stage in a spellbinding production of Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical, delighting audiences across four unforgettable performances that turned the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood into Cherry Tree Lane and beyond.
This year’s musical was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing not only the timeless charm of P.L. Travers’ beloved characters but also the remarkable talents of our performers. From the moment the iconic notes of ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ filled the auditorium – parents, friends and teachers were transported into a world where magic is real.
The production involved over 110 students, each bringing wholehearted enthusiasm to their roles. Whether summoning the stiff-upper-lip spirit of Mr Banks, capturing the quirky unpredictability of Mrs Corry or radiating the gentle but firm warmth of Mary Poppins, our cast poured months of hard work into every moment.
From the professionalism of the students-only orchestra and the vocal clarity, dramatic expression and joyful energy of the cast, to the diligence and attention to detail of the student crew, the dedication of every student was evident.
Ticketed performances were spread over three evenings and a Saturday matinee, allowing the whole community to share in the fun. The choreography sparkled with creativity, and the set – full of clever, yet practical, theatre tricks – brought the magic world of Mary Poppins to life before our eyes.
“I was constantly amazed at how our students embraced every challenge.”
“I was constantly amazed at how our students embraced every challenge,” said Director of Performing Arts, Mr Ben Millis.
“Learning how to project on stage, mastering ensemble work, and supporting one another through the many rehearsals required real resilience and collaboration.”
The generosity of our sponsors enabled the cast and crew to work with a professional-level lighting designer, a specialist rigger (essential for flying Mary and Bert) and a professionally built set – giving students insight into theatrical know-how and some of the tricks involved in set and prop design that create the magic of traditional theatre.
“I learned that even when something feels hard, like a big solo or tricky steps, through passion and determination, we are capable of more than we might think.”
For many students, this was their first time performing in a major production, and while several of the leads had previous stage experience, this marked their first opportunity to take on principal roles. Miah Graves, who played Mary Poppins with poise and charm, shared how much she enjoyed exploring her character’s confidence and kindness.
“I learned that even when something feels hard, like a big solo or tricky steps, through passion and determination, we are capable of more than we might think,” she said.
The educational value of participating in a musical of this scale cannot be overstated. Students gained confidence, improved communication skills, developed persistence and grew together as a team – all while creating something beautiful and bringing the joy of theatre to the wider school community.
As students breathed life into characters – with different personalities, perspectives and changing relationships – they explored character development within a narrative arc and experienced firsthand, the importance of their character’s background, motivation and context for convincing storytelling.
“Along the way they learned to trust each other, to help each other and to be stronger together. We are incredibly proud of them and impressed at their resilience, energy and creativity.”
Through the challenges and the successes, all the way to the final curtain, the Producer, Mrs Emma Newling, reflected that being part of the musical gave the students the opportunity to collaborate with one another and with staff on a complex and challenging project.
“Along the way they learned to trust each other, to help each other and to be stronger together. We are incredibly proud of them and impressed at their resilience, energy and creativity,” she said.
From the hushed anticipation as the curtain rose on Bert, to the joy of Let’s Go Fly a Kite, it was clear that not only was the 2026 musical a huge success, it also touched our hearts.
Bravo to our incredible cast, crew, teachers and volunteers!
