Broadway comes to Shaunavon

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

Shaunavon’s Plaza Theatre brought world-class entertainment to the local stage last weekend with a spectacular sold-out run of Mary Poppins from June 12 to 14. Presented by the Plaza Academy and The Plaza Theatre & Venue, the two-and-a-half-hour production drew packed houses and standing ovations during all three performances.

The ambitious musical was spearheaded by Ty Hunter, who served as producer and co-musical director while also starring as the lovable Bert, the chimney sweep.

“I was absolutely thrilled with how the final performances turned out,” said Ty. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m incredibly grateful that so many people connected with the show. Seeing audiences laugh, wonder, and stay engaged for more than two hours was very rewarding. It was a special experience to watch the community embrace the production the way they did.”

“One of my favourite parts was watching audience members sit on the edge of their seats in wonder,” he added. “Live theatre has a unique ability to bring people back to that childlike sense of excitement and anticipation. It reminds us what it feels like to be captivated by a story.”

The local production was co-directed by Norma Hunter and Lizzy Hunter, with choreography by Alayna, Cambria and Kristina Hunter, and musical direction shared by Ty Hunter and Sheila Anderson.

Based on elements from both the 1964 Disney film and the Mary Poppins book series by P. L. Travers, the stage adaptation featured a blend of familiar songs and material created specifically for the musical theatre version. Audiences enjoyed timeless favourites such as “A Spoonful of Sugar” and the tongue-twisting “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” along with several numbers unique to the stage production.

“One of the reasons we chose Mary Poppins was because we learned the musical would soon be heading into the licensing vault and would not be available for production for a period of time,” commented Ty, who teaches music to many of the cast members through the Plaza Academy. “We didn’t want to miss the opportunity to bring such an iconic show to our community. It’s also a timeless story that generations of people know and love. It was a choice made for audiences of all ages.”

Amy Anderson delivered a standout performance in the title role of Mary Poppins. The musical adaptation also included an emphasis on the Banks family and the challenges faced by parents George and Winifred Banks, and their children Jane and Michael.

The show featured more than 40 singers and dancers, showcasing an impressive depth of talent from across the Southwest.

“The cast and crew were nothing short of incredible,” offered Ty. “Countless hours were invested to bring this production to life. From the acting, singing, and choreography to the prop building, stage management, set changes, and behind-the-scenes work, it truly was a labour of love. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was watching audiences discover and celebrate the incredible talent that exists right here in our region.”

The end result was an incredible show that demonstrated what talent and hard work can produce.

“Every production comes with its own unique challenges,” admitted Ty. “Whether it’s a concert tour, a festival, or a musical, each requires creative problem-solving. One of our biggest challenges was accommodating a cast of more than 40 people in a venue without traditional backstage wings or green rooms. That simply challenged us to think creatively and find new ways to present the show. Looking back, it was absolutely worth it. From the first auditions to the final curtain call, the entire process spanned approximately four and a half months.”

“Beyond the performances themselves, watching friendships form among cast members and seeing a community come together around a shared creative experience is something we will cherish for years to come,” he continued. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and helped make Mary Poppins such a memorable celebration.”