Weekend Showcase: SOAR Academy Produces “Mary Poppins Jr. the Musical” with Special Effects
SOAR Academy will celebrate their ten year anniversary with a special production of “Mary Poppins the Musical” starting Feb. 25. The theater group won a grant to bring in special instructors to teach students about stage flight.
“It’s always something new and fresh, because who wants to see the same Mary Poppins?” asked Michelle Kadikian, who teaches theater groups about stage flight through the group ZFX Flying Effects
Kadikian instructed the group of students before they got a chance to try out the experience. She says flying on stage is the perfect blend of art and science. It probably includes a bit of acting too.
“It’s realizing what the machines can do and then tailoring the effect based on that,” explains Kadikian. “So you have to think, what am I trying to achieve? What am I trying to see?”
It’s hard to tell who is more excited–the instructors or the students.
“The fact that we are able to do it now and for our ten year anniversary is the icing on the cake. To be honest, I wish I could be up there flying as well,” said Ellen Beaudry, with SOAR Academy. “It’s definitely something that’s not done at the community theater level, as far as I know anywhere. So, we’re super excited about it.”
Logan Warner, who plays Bert, is excited too.
“It’s a really big opportunity,” said Warner. “I can’t wait to see the look of shock on people’s faces that people are flying.”
Bella Dimitroff, who plays Mary Poppins, is a bit more hesitant.
“I’m a little more excited about flying, but I’m a little more terrified than excited,” said Dimitroff.
The show opens on Feb. 25. You can find more information about tickets and show times here.
