Mary Poppins' Queensland homecoming

Mary Poppins will open at QPAC on January 5, 2012

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BRISBANE theatre goers will be starting the New Year with an old classic when Mary Poppins opens at QPAC on January 5.

The award-winning Disney musical’s Brisbane season was announced today by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and President of Disney Theatre Productions Thomas Schumacher.

“I am delighted to announce Mary Poppins is coming to Brisbane, marking the first time a major Disney musical theatre work has been presented in Queensland,” said Ms Bligh.

“This story has delighted children and families for generations and now Queenslanders can see this world class production without having to travel overseas or interstate.”

The Premier said the Brisbane season was especially fitting because of the story’s strong ties to the regional town of Maryborough.

“The creator of these magical characters, Pamela Travers, was born in Maryborough in 1899 in an old bank building which still stands today,” she said.

“Each year Maryborough holds a Mary Poppins Festival to celebrate its ties to the world’s most famous nanny.

“Now she is coming to Brisbane in a musical production which, since it premiered on London’s West End in 2004, has played to millions around the world and won numerous awards.”

The Australian production is expected to dominate next Monday’s Helpmann Awards in Sydney, leading the charge with 12 nominations including Best Musical.

To date, Mary Poppins has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide and grossed more than $521 million USD ($481 million AUD).

Tickets for the Brisbane season go on sale on August 8 through QPAC and the Mary Poppins Musical website.