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Believe it or not, Australian cast recordings were once de rigueur. Long time fans surely have treasured copies of Chicago, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Nine, Seven Little Australians and many more. The most recent in memory was a mini-disc of The Secret Garden starring two of the lead performers on this new recording of the Australian cast of Mary Poppins.
The London cast recording, starring Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee, was released in 2005 following the musical’s premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre. The Australian soundtrack is all the more special in light of the fact that there was no recording of the Broadway cast.
While aural purists may raise an eyebrow at the fact that the disc was recorded live in Her Majesty’s Theatre rather than in a recording studio, be assured that this is work of the highest quality. The loving attention that has been lavished on the project is clear in every note.
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Supporting leads are an embarrassment of riches. Marina Prior, Philip Quast, Judi Conelli and Debra Byrne all have extensive recording experience and it shows in the strength of their performances.
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© Theatre People Australia.
