Everyone's favourite practically perfect nanny comes to Rolleston this month for a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure.
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time will capture Selwyn hearts this coming April as CentreStage Rolleston put on their latest musical spectacle.
Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins features a raft of local performers including Nickie Tabukovu as Mary, and Daniel Mathers as Bert.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael (played by Saskia Van Gerwen, Isla Marshall, Logan Randall and Harry McDermott) have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones on who she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”
It's not just the talent on stage that we need to shout about. This fabulous local show is led by local councilor Phil Dean (director), Benjamin Sinclair (musical director) and Kirsty Balfour (choreographer) and a raft of behind-the scenes experts. There’s even a Director of Magic… but we don’t want to give too much away!
Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. Make sure you see it at Rolleston College 18-27 April 2024.
Tickets are on sale now at centrestagerolleston.org.nz. Get in quick before they sell out!
Nickie Tabukovu
Nickie was born in the United Kingdom, and has a distinction in Musical Theatre from the London College of Music. She moved to New Zealand eight years ago after receiving her degree in Drama and Theatre Studies in London. Since 2018, Nickie has run her own company in Rolleston. PLAY! Drama Workshops holds drama and musical classes in order to boost children’s confidence and self esteem through the performing arts. For Nickie, a real highlight of performing is seeing her student’s faces in the audience and inspiring them. Her New Zealand credits include Mamma Mia! (Ali), Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl), Chicago (Roxie) and Showbiz Christchurch’s production of Matilda (Miss Honey).
Daniel Mathers
Ever since Daniel was a small child, he’s had one goal: perform as one of the Wiggles. Since then he’s played Cosmo Brown in Singing in the Rain (Kirwee Players), Joseph ‘Old Man’ Strong in Urinetown, Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls (MUSOC), Ensemble in 42nd Street (NASDA), Ren McCormack (Lincoln High School & MUSOC), and somehow bungled his way through the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA), graduating with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2020. More recently, Daniel has taken on more production team roles, written and directed a Junior Production of Pinocchio (HSPA - 2022), directed Footloose (Kirwee Players - 2023), stage managed Aladdin Jr (Kirwee Players - 2023) and Sherlock (HSPA - 2023), and produced multiple concert performances for his own company Living City Theatre. When he’s not working on a show, Daniel also teaches tap dancing, private singing lessons, and drama and musical theatre classes through Hartley School of Performing Arts (HSPA) in Rangiora. He hasn’t been one of the Wiggles yet though. “That’s okay,” Daniel says, “there’s still time!”