Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 25 November 2015 Kindness, not Tiaras, a Gauge for RoyaltyLast December Kelly Tadzik migrated from Norway to Australia with her parents. A year ago Kelly spoke no English. This December Kelly, 9, is starring in the Pymble Players’ children’s play, A Little Princess. So what’s Kelly’s secret for learning a new language so quickly?
“She has an air of being from another place."
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A Little Princess
Season Starting: Friday December 11 (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: Mona Vale Road & Bromley Avenue, Pymble NSW 2073, Australia |
“Sara in the book (by Frances Hodgson Burnett) is from India. She’s slightly otherworldly. Kelly is French-speaking, and she has a beautiful singing voice.”
Certainly, Kelly is a quick study. Her teachers at St Ives Park Primary School recently awarded her a prize for Most Improved Speller.
Mullin added: “She’s so capable, she can fake it without you knowing.” “At the beginning there was a lack of understanding…But Kelly learnt the exits and entries so quickly. She got it right on the spot… Her ability to mimic intonation is incredible.” Mullin wanted lots of children in the play, which is aimed at primary school children and “the young at heart.” |
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“I think kids are little pots of potential.” Mullin said. “I’m an advocate of child talent.”
Mullin has also involved her own family in the production. Her son, Miles Mullin-Chivers, 17, a talented cellist, is the musical director, and plays Sara’s father. Mullin’s husband, Simon Chivers, is the assistant director, stage manager, and plays Carrisford.
“I rely on my family like a team, I don’t see limitations,” Mullin explained.
Mullin remembers reading A Little Princess to her daughter, Lily, when she was a little girl.
“There’s something very endearing about behaviour deciding who’s a princess and not wealth or station.” Mullin said.
“I love the idea of someone who thinks about what’s inside, and not superficial, like the pretty dresses, often associated with princesses.”
“Sara is a very poised young girl. She gives everyone a chance, and looks after underlings, no matter what their situation.”
In the story, Sara Crewe, heiress to a large fortune, is boarding at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Victorian England. When her father dies, the family fortune is lost, and Sara is forced to become a servant. Strange things start to happen when a mysterious man from India moves next door to the school.
A Little Princess plays December 11-19, 2015
Mullin has also involved her own family in the production. Her son, Miles Mullin-Chivers, 17, a talented cellist, is the musical director, and plays Sara’s father. Mullin’s husband, Simon Chivers, is the assistant director, stage manager, and plays Carrisford.
“I rely on my family like a team, I don’t see limitations,” Mullin explained.
Mullin remembers reading A Little Princess to her daughter, Lily, when she was a little girl.
“There’s something very endearing about behaviour deciding who’s a princess and not wealth or station.” Mullin said.
“I love the idea of someone who thinks about what’s inside, and not superficial, like the pretty dresses, often associated with princesses.”
“Sara is a very poised young girl. She gives everyone a chance, and looks after underlings, no matter what their situation.”
In the story, Sara Crewe, heiress to a large fortune, is boarding at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Victorian England. When her father dies, the family fortune is lost, and Sara is forced to become a servant. Strange things start to happen when a mysterious man from India moves next door to the school.
A Little Princess plays December 11-19, 2015
Performers and Crew
Sara Crewe
Miss Minchin Ermengarde Lottie Becky Cook Ram Dass Baker/Jesse Lavinia/Customer Street Urchin Street Urchin/Monkey Costermonger Carrisford Captain Crewe |
Kelly Tadzik
Diana Johnson Pier Sakker Sophia Pettitt Makarios Staj Pat Plant Jim Burns Paula Williams Laura Tate Joshua Rome-Hinson Ashley Rome-Hinson Patsy Templeton Simon Chivers Miles Mullin-Chivers |
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