supercalifragilicticexpialidocious.

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay!

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Mary Poppins: The Supercalifragilistic Musical at QPAC Theatre during the week. I have always loved this movie - I remember watching it as a little girl and I still know nearly every song by heart.

This musical was unbelievable. I have seen a fair few stage productions and I would say this was by far the best (however I am seeing some shows on Broadway in a month, so I'm sure nothing will compare). The cast was outstanding, but what I enjoyed most were the amazing sets and costumes. I was lucky enough to enjoy the show from front row seats, which was just spectacular. It was actually quite funny to make eye contact with the performers and smile along with them.

Being in the front row, we were obviously right in front of the orchestra. It was a bonus to be able to speak with the musicians and watch what happens 'behind the scenes'. Speaking of which, I also quite liked taking sneak peaks to the sides of the stage to see what the cast members were up to (like the policeman having his beard sticky-taped on).

My favourite number was 'step in time', featuring Matt Lee (from So You Think You Can Dance fame) as Bert. He was outstanding - and had amazing stamina to dance up the walls and on the ceiling yes, on the ceiling). The other numbers were awesome - it was really fun to see (and sometimes hear) people of all ages sing along. Although we all expected it, seeing Mary Poppins fly over the audience with her umbrella was phenomenal and had everyone grinning like toddlers.

I cannot recommend this enough - GO AND SEE THIS MUSICAL!! You will not be disappointed.

Image: dailytelegraph.com.au

the descendants.

After much procrastination, I finally managed to drag myself to the cinema to check out The Descendants. This movie held quite a few draw cards for me. This movie is by the amazing Alexander Payne (writer-director) - his first since Sideways. Obviously with Clooney as the main man I was already there, but I had also heard excellent reviews for this movie. And I have to say, I am now banging out about how wonderful this movie was.

First of all, I love that this movie was 'normal'. The costumes were normal, the homes were normal, the settings were normal, even the actors (minus the Cloon-meister) were normal... none of the over-the-top size 6 models who barely anyone can relate to. 

I had been warned this movie was sad, sure... we've all seen the ad stating his wife is cheating on him. But I certainly wasn't prepared for what was to come. It started with the lump in my throat about 30 minutes in and led to me in agony trying to get rid of it. I got teary in a few scenes... until the end. When I wept. I actually wept. I couldn't dry my eyes quick enough, my chin was quivering and I think I even let a few sobs out. Not good. At least I had enough sense to wait until the cinema was empty and sneak out with my tear-stained companions.

Don't let this turn you off though. It's really funny as well. The characters of his two daughters are executed perfectly by Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller. The mix of characters and story lines, light and dark allows for this movie to flow easily and seamlessly.

Without giving away any spoilers: Clooney. Hawaii. Bad parenting. Questionable choices. Clooney. Million dollar deals. Pain. Clooney. Property. Family. Laughter. 

I urge you to go see it - if only to see Clooney in Hawaiian shirts and Harry-high pants.

Images from: filmcritic.com, blackmanandrobin.com