Rotorua Musical Theatre is bringing the supercalifragilistic international hit Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical to Rotorua's Energy Events Centre.

The show dates have been confirmed for March 11 to 24.

Mary Poppins will be the theatre's big show for the year, says president, Natasha Benfell.

"We have an extremely experienced and gifted director in Dean McKerras who will be joined by talented local Elisha Hulton as vocal director.

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Dean McKerras is the director for the Rotorua Musical Theatre production of <i>Mary Poppins</i>. Photo/Supplied
Dean McKerras is the director for the Rotorua Musical Theatre production of Mary Poppins. Photo/Supplied

"We're also very excited to be working in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council on this show, and we're very appreciative of the support we have received."

The cast is already deep in rehearsals with some exciting new twists to the show.

"It will definitely be one to remember but I can't give it all away – you'll just have to come along," Natasha says.

She is predicting the family favourite will be a sell-out.

"Who doesn't know songs like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious or A Spoonful of Sugar?"

Energy Events Centre manager Joelene Elliott says staff have been working extremely hard, alongside the theatre, to enable the show to be staged in Rotorua.

"Mary Poppins was originally booked for the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre which recently had to close for earthquake strengthening.

"The technical equipment needed, including specialist rigs needed for Mary Poppins to fly across the stage will need to be built at the Energy Events Centre, but it's an exciting challenge and one we're keen to take on."

Based on PL Travers' beloved book series of the same name, Mary Poppins became an immediate hit when it premiered as a movie musical in 1964, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.

Forty years later, Cameron Macintosh conceived the stage musical that combines elements of Disney's film with material inspired by Travers' books.

Gift vouchers will be on sale online from Friday December 22 at www.ticketmaster.co.nz, with tickets on sale from the Ticketmaster office at the Energy Events Centre from January 8.

Both matinee and evening performances are available, with concessions for families.