Mary Poppins!
It’s simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
From April 2 – May 25,
Neptune Theatre in Halifax presents Disney’s long-running Broadway musical
blockbuster Mary Poppins, featuring breathtaking dance numbers, dazzling
special effects and Academy Award winning songs. Recently AE caught up with
Poppins herself, actress Heather McGuigan.
How long have you been involved in theatre, and in what capacity?
HM:
I
started doing shows in school at ten. I then attended a performing arts
college, and have been a professional actor for fourteen years.
How did you get involved
with this particular production?
HM:
It's
all about auditioning, and then booking the part. I have had some experience
with this show (two U.S National Tours as a Mary/Winifred understudy) which
gave me a strong base to present in my audition. I had been looking for an
opportunity to work at Neptune and am overjoyed it happened with one of my
dream roles.
What are the challenges
of the role?
HM:
Like
any iconic or film related role, the challenge is to not imitate, while still
delivering the character an audience has loved for years. For Mary Poppins, it
is to find the cracks, to identify the moments (however brief) when she opens
her soul and gives herself over to the Banks family, and her favorite chimney
sweep... and of course, being "practically perfect in every way."
What are the rewards?
HM:
There aren't many roles where you get to sing some of the
most beloved songs of all time, wear stunning costumes, do magic tricks, tap
dance, sing high Cs and fly. It's all the more sweet when you get to do it with
the team we have here. Did I mention I get to FLY?!!!
What can audiences
expect during the run?
HM:
Heart.
From the set, costumes, musicians, the crew, administration, choreography,
direction-Neptune Theatre delivers! And this cast...holy moly! With a
script written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), spectacular songs old and
new and dazzling dance numbers, we might just have you shedding a few tears and
leaping for joy!
What are your thoughts
on the state of theatre in Canada?
HM:
As with
all art, there are ebbs and flows. Right now, I believe the tide is high and
the water is picking up speed. Companies are forming, expanding and challenging
themselves to do daring work. The dollar is tight, as it is everywhere, but
audiences are returning to the theatre and looking for (and receiving) high
quality entertainment. As Mary Poppins says, "Anything can happen if you
let it" and I think we are doing just that.
What's next on your own
theatrical agenda?
HM:
I will
be returning to Ontario to play the role of Gloria Thorpe in Damn Yankees for
Drayton Entertainment. Then back to Cherry Tree Lane again, this time for the
Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. I also hope to finish writing my second book, and
trade in my Parrot Head Umbrella for my Cricket bat, for a few summer matches.
@heathermcguigan
Mary Poppins
April
1-May 25, 2014
Neptune
Theatre, Halifax
www.neptunetheatre.com
