Howick Intermediate shines in the arts

• By Times Junior Journalist Manayah Peiris

Recently, Howick Intermediate students showcased an incredible performance of Mary Poppins Jr.

There were four performances, held on Tuesday the 6th and Wednesday the 7th of August, which were held in their school hall.

Tess Wiltenburg, the Performing Arts specialist teacher, was the producer and one of the directors for the show.

The other director was Robert Raynes, another class teacher.

Tess explained that the school chose Mary Poppins Jr as the production because of the idea of doing a classic production.

“We also loved the songs, colours and messages that Mary Poppins portrays,” she said.

Tess reports that the students had been rehearsing for the production since Term 2.

“We started the audition process in February. Students then started practising during Term 2 and the start of Term 3.

“Our backstage and lighting/sound teams practised with us from about Week 9 in Term 2.”

Tess also mentioned that one of the main challenges in preparation for the performance was: “Ensuring students were making their practises.

“We also had a bit of sickness to battle with along the way, but overall, there was nothing major that stopped us.

“This was our first production as directors and it was an honour watching the students grow throughout the process and really engage in their characters and make it their own.”

Tess commented, “You could really see the cast having fun up on the stage, all their hard work definitely paid off!”

I attended the Tuesday evening show, and it was a showcase of beautiful costumes, stunning sets, sound and lighting, and talented performers.

I felt as if I had stepped right into the world of Mary Poppins!

It could only be described as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

• Manayah Peiris is in year 7 at Somerville Intermediate School