Stefanie Jones: A Deep Dive into Mary Poppins and the Art of Theatre
In the heart of Perth, the anticipation is palpable. The venerable Crown Theatre is set to unveil the timeless tale of Mary Poppins, a character that has enchanted generations. At the helm of this magical extravaganza is Stefanie Jones, donning the role of the beloved nanny with grace and panache. We spoke with this formidable talent for an intimate conversation, navigating her journey, her influences, and her undying love for the stage.
Stefanie Jones graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2011 with a Bachelor of Music Theatre and holds an Associate Diploma in Music for Violin from S.C.S.M. She’s taken to the stage in renowned roles like Rhonda in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, Liesl in ‘The Sound of Music’, and Jean MacLaren in ‘Brigadoon’. On television, she’s been featured in shows including ‘Molly’, ‘The Divorce’, and as Megan Dennison in ‘Neighbours’. Stefanie was a finalist in the 2016 Rob Guest Endowment Competition and has won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in a musical, with a similar nomination for the Green Room Award. A member of Actor’s Equity since 2011, Stefanie’s versatility and talent shine brightly.
Embracing the Magic of Mary
It’s no easy feat to step into the shoes of a character as emblematic as Mary Poppins. Stefanie is acutely aware of the expectations. “Mary is a character deeply cherished worldwide,” she begins, her reverence for the role evident. “There’s a weight of responsibility, as I am not just portraying a character but reviving countless cherished memories.” But for Stefanie, the exceptional material of this production is a guiding star. “When you’re equipped with such impeccable songs and a narrative that has touched hearts over decades, half the work is done for you,” she confides. The role demands a holistic skillset, pushing Stefanie to harness every facet of her training and experience.
Stepping into the iconic shoes of Mary Poppins is no small task. What unique qualities did you bring to the character to make her your own, and how did your previous theatrical experiences shape your portrayal?
Mary is indeed iconic and deeply loved the world over – I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t pressure to portray her a certain way because, in a sense, I have a responsibility to uphold audiences’ favourite childhood memories! But what I am so eternally grateful for is the quality of the material in this production of Mary Poppins. The songs are faultless classics, and the book is as well written as the 1964 film and P.L Travers’ original stories. When you have material this good to work with, you can feel like so much of the job is being done for you. But I have to acknowledge that Mary is also very hard work – this role requires me to use every skill I’ve ever honed, and the show fitness required is quite immense. So, in a way I feel as though every single day I’ve spent working professionally in musicals has led to this moment and has deeply informed and influenced my approach.
The Pillars of Her Craft
Stefanie’s foundation in theatre is robust. With a Bachelor in Music Theatre from the Victorian College of the Arts and an Associate Diploma in Music for Violin, her journey has been defined by dedication and passion. “Those foundational years, filled with rigorous music and dance training, were instrumental,” she reflects. As Mary Poppins, she finds herself drawing from this vast reservoir of skills, each note, and movement a testament to her rigorous training.
With a Bachelor in music theatre from the Victorian College of the Arts and an Associate Diploma in Music for Violin, how have these formal trainings influenced your approach to musical roles like Mary Poppins?
Hugely. I don’t know where I’d be without my training from VCA, but perhaps more importantly where I’d be without the training I did as a child. Years and years of music and dance training throughout those very formative years gave me the strongest possible foundation for a career in music theatre. I regularly have moments where I quietly recognise how valuable those skills are and how grateful I am that I stuck at it. Mary Poppins really does require me to draw from a myriad of these skills, and the gift is getting to acknowledge to myself that all the hard work was steering me towards something so incredibly rewarding.
From Liesl to Rhonda: The Evolution of Stefanie
One of the most compelling aspects of Stefanie’s career is her versatility. Her portrayal of characters spans a broad spectrum, from the vivacious Liesl von Trapp to the endearing Rhonda, and now, the enigmatic Mary. “Each role is a journey in self-discovery,” she muses. “It’s about unearthing and spotlighting fragments of myself.” Stefanie also underscores the importance of perpetual learning, noting that the ever-evolving landscape of theatre demands adaptability and continuous growth.
From Liesl von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music‘ to Rhonda in ‘Muriel’s Wedding The Musical’, you’ve portrayed a wide range of characters. How do you transition between such varied roles, and is there a particular character that’s closest to your heart?
Some roles have come more naturally to me than others, but at the same time I feel like I’ve found truthful, pre-existing parts of myself in each of the roles I’ve played and that’s absolutely where most of the fun lies, getting to dredge up those different parts and give them some airtime! I think that’s why I also struggle to choose a favourite – Liesl, Rhonda and Mary all feel very much like an extension of me in their own ways. What has also been emphasised for me again and again is how important it is to continue working on your skill set no matter how many shows you might have under your belt. I don’t think any music theatre performer (especially in Australia) can relax into their own niche or pocket of speciality because there’s often not enough work to go around, so it really has become essential for me to keep working on being a varied performer because you never know what the next show or audition might require of you.
Balancing the Stage with the Screen
Stefanie’s foray into television, with stints in popular shows like ‘Molly’ and ‘Neighbours’, has given her a unique perspective. “The nuances of performance vary starkly between a film set and the theatre stage,” she explains. While the theatre demands repetitive perfection and consistency, TV offers varied challenges. Yet, the allure of live performances, the immediacy of audience reactions, remains unparalleled for Stefanie.
Having been a part of TV shows like ‘Molly’ and ‘Neighbours’ and numerous theatre productions, how do you differentiate your acting approach between the two mediums? Are there unique challenges or rewards in one that you don’t find in the other?
I don’t feel I’ve yet had the opportunity to really sink my teeth into a TV / film role, but that’s a muscle I would certainly love to exercise more given the chance. But regardless, there’s no denying a film set is worlds away from a theatre stage and I find the discipline required very different, too. The biggest challenge on stage is finding the freshness in the material 8 times a week for a year or two. I’ve admittedly had moments when we’re deep into a run where I can’t help but switch on to autopilot for a night, but that’s often the wakeup call I need to recalibrate and find something new. The repetitive nature of performing live is something you can’t find anywhere else in any other profession. But the adrenaline and satisfaction I feel from being on stage is second-to-none, which is why I’ll probably never stop.
A Beacon for Budding Talents
For those poised at the threshold of a theatrical journey, Stefanie’s insights are invaluable. “Redefine roles in your unique voice,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of originality. “The world of theatre demands patience and persistence. It’s not about fleeting sprints but enduring marathons.”
As our conversation concludes, it’s evident that Stefanie Jones is not merely an actress. She’s a storyteller, an artist dedicated to her craft, ceaselessly evolving and seeking. As Perth prepares to be mesmerised by Mary Poppins, one thing is certain: with Stefanie leading the charge, the magic will be truly extraordinary.
What advice would you give to young actors looking to make a mark in the theatre world?
I sometimes think what’s most tricky when auditioning for a musical is how well-known or loved the material already is, and how hard it can be to get previous performances out of your mind when working on the material for the first time. But I would say to always find little ways to make it your own because that’s what will make you stand out – a fresh take is always well received! Be prepared, do your research, and when you do book the gig continue to work hard and be diligent. I’ve never learnt more than when I’ve been on a show, amongst professionals, witnessing how they work. A career in music theatre is a marathon not a sprint, so be patient with yourself and the process, your passion and drive will see you through the tough times and I promise you hard work and dedication has the potential to make all your dreams come true.
As the curtain is set to rise next month at Perth’s esteemed Crown Theatre, audiences are abuzz with anticipation. The beloved narrative of Mary Poppins, seen and adored by millions worldwide, is about to delight Perth with its resplendent production. The classic tales penned by the Australian maestro PL Travers come to life with unprecedented brilliance, driven by arresting choreography, spellbinding effects, and melodies that echo in the heart long after the final bow. Led by the radiant Stefanie Jones and bolstered by an ensemble of Australia’s theatrical elite, this rendition promises to transport theatre-goers straight to the whimsical Cherry Tree Lane. As the winds of change herald the arrival of the world’s most cherished nanny to Perth, it’s clear that this rendition of Mary Poppins is poised to be an unforgettable spectacle, a tribute to timeless tales and the undying magic of theatre.
Photo Credit: Daniel Boud
Season Details
Perth
Venue: Crown Theatre
Dates: For performances from Saturday 9th September to Sunday 22 October
Do not miss this fantastic production, and the exceptionally talented Stefanie Jones! Book your tickets now via Ticketmaster.
