Melissa Nicholson, as Mary Poppins, headed to Canopy Tours for flying lessons ahead of the shows that started this week. Photo/Fotozone Photography
Melissa Nicholson, as Mary Poppins, headed to Canopy Tours for flying lessons ahead of the shows that started this week. Photo/Fotozone Photography
Before flying across the arena in Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical, lead actress Melissa Nicholson, headed to Canopy Tours to practise.
In an ironic twist, Melissa is scared of heights and was determined to face her fears before the high-flying shows began at Rotorua Energy Events Centre on 11March 2018.
"I was a bit anxious heading out to Canopy Tours but the team were lovely and very mindful of my fear of heights. As soon as we go on the zip-lines I absolutely loved it," says Mrs Nicholson.
To let you experience a birds-eye view, all people that buy Mary Poppins tickets between 12-18 March will go in the draw to win passes to Skyline Skyrides and the Redwoods Treewalk.
Melissa was thrilled to be chosen to play the iconic Mary Poppins and has a string of roles to her credit including Cabaret, Rent, Annie, Chicago and Hairspray. Many will recognise her from her last Rotorua role as Eva Perón in Evita and offstage Melissa is an English teacher at Otūmoetai College, Tauranga.
After Rotorua Musical Theatre had to move the show from the closed Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre to the Rotorua Energy Events Centre discussions quickly began about how to make the show magical in the new and larger venue.
Melissa Nicholson, as Mary Poppins, headed to Canopy Tours for flying lessons ahead of the shows that started this week. Photo/Fotozone Photography
Rotorua Musical Theatre President Natasha Benfell is excited to showcase the hard work by all the cast and crew as well as unveil some of the spectacular flying tricks they have up their sleeves.
"The arena is going to be magical and coupled with an innovative set, fantastic back stage crew and talented performers. This is going to be a show you won't want to miss," says Mrs Benfell.
This limited season of Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical will offer 12 shows at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre between 11 - 24 March 2018. A range of seating and family concessions are available through Ticketmaster.
