Things not going well in auditions for title role in Australian Mary Poppins

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 3:14pm

The auditions for the title role of Mary Poppins in the Australian productin have not been going well. "We have seen some very talented people but they have not been quite right for Mary Poppins." Sir Cameron Macinktosh.

Sir Cameron and co-producer Tom Schumacher, of Walt Disney Theatricals, announced seven of eight principal roles for the $16million Australian production at Her Majesty's but admitted that extensive auditions in Melbourne and Sydney last month had failed to find an actor to fill Mary Poppins' shoes. They now plan to look for the elusive Mary at auditions in Perth, Brisbane and New Zealand.

"We are willing to see anyone," Schumacher said. "If anyone wants to send us a letter, or a CD or post a clip on YouTube, we will look at it."

The show's British director, Richard Eyre, who last month saw 20 potential Marys who had been "winnowed" from dozens more hopefuls, said the role required a rare cocktail of talents. "She needs a kind of warmth married with a crispness and an English kind of rigour, as well as a sense of other-worldliness."

The part also requires a "voice that's a very good, clear soprano".

http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/articles/2009/11/16/1258219793888.html

[noplain]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 4:55pm

It's a publicity stunt. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 5:20pm

I'm surprised they're not doing a reality show to cast the part. They could call it "Practically Perfect".

Olivia Newton John...you could be Mary!

[Here I Am]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 8:23pm

Ha ha, the first thing I thought about as well was a reality show. Could you imagine??... "You are NOT Practically Perfect!"

[KirbyCat]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 8:30pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_dAm4jEfkQ
The actress that plays Miranda. Gorgeous voice. (She's on the left.)

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 11/18/09 at 10:33pm

The TV show is being done for FAME the musical.

They will find someone for Mary, it will be an idol of an idea!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 11/19/09 at 2:59pm

This could also be a ruse to bring in a non-Aussie actress.

"We auditioned hundreds of women, but none were the right one so we're going to bring in (so-and-so) who has already played the role."

This happened in NY with Billy Elliot and bringing in Hayden Gwynne.

[caitlinette]

Posted: 11/19/09 at 6:21pm

Why is it so hard to find an actress for the part in Australia? In New York you'd find someone instantly.

[Khashoggi]

Posted: 11/19/09 at 10:51pm

I suspect that its all for publicity, to build some buzz around the show.
The producers have specified that bringing someone from overseas is NOT an option.

[alterego]

Posted: 11/20/09 at 7:36pm

Yep, I feel a reality television show dawning.

[CAX]

Posted: 11/21/09 at 12:09am

Maybe Adam Lambert can play the title role. Give a whole new spin on Mary Poppins.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/21/09 at 8:58am

"Why is it so hard to find an actress for the part in Australia? In New York you'd find someone instantly."

Because Australia is not New York...? Not saying there aren't talented people in Australia, but New York has a much, much larger crowd of singers/actors.

[Princeton2]

Posted: 11/21/09 at 9:55am

There has already been a reality show for the Dutch production of Mary Poppins

[lisaatje009]

Posted: 11/22/09 at 4:00pm

Actually, that hasn't been broadcast yet. It starts on November 30th.

[bway1261]

Posted: 11/22/09 at 4:45pm

"Maybe Adam Lambert can play the title role. Give a whole new spin on Mary Poppins."

I'd pay to see that.

[Annas_Priest]

Posted: 11/22/09 at 5:26pm

I would walk and swim to there from South Carolina to see that

[noplain]

Posted: 11/24/09 at 1:39am

I think the search can stop now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JykbGBRxFag