It’s been a dream come true for a Cobourg woman who is playing the lead role in the VOS Production of Mary Poppins taking place at Victoria Hall.
An hour before showtime on Friday, April 11, 2025 Kieva Earle sat down with Today’s Northumberland and spoke about her role of a lifetime.
“Julie Andrews being my idol and wanting to play any role she plays and Mary Poppins has been a dream of mine.”
“It’s been so incredibly amazing.”
From her first performance at Victoria Hall playing the role of Mary Poppins she had butterflies, “but as soon as I stepped on stage – nerves went away. It felt like I was home.”
“I’ve cried tears of joy because I’ve loved every second of it and I don’t want it to end.”
Earle has participated in several Northumberland Players Productions, along with roles in Godspell at Bishop’s University and also the leading role in high school of Maria in the Sound of Music.
But Mary Poppins was her first experience with VOS.
She’s also spends her days in the classroom learning and teaching and she is in her first year of teachers college for a primary junior educator.
Performances started on April 3 and audiences have been thrilled with the VOS production of Mary Poppins with Earle and the cast ensemble with standing ovations at many of the performances.
“The response has been overwhelming. I’ve been in a lot of shows and maybe not grown into my voice as much as I have in this role. My mom and dad have heard me my whole life and they say I’ve come along way. So there’s been a lot of growth and development – or opportunity presented itself.”
Earle said there is a stigma that people in theatre may not have the life others do, but she manages to maintain her career along with her passion in theatre.
“It’s always been a part of my life and I know it will always be a part of my life whether that is career based or fun based.”
With only two more shows remaining on Saturday, the dream has come true – but with her stage presence and voice that even Julie Andrews would be proud of, there are many more opportunities waiting for Kieva Earle.
“It’s going to be very emotional. I know that I’m going to be beaming from ear to ear for the entire show not wanting it to end. I’m so happy and grateful for this opportunity. These amazing people are what I’m going to miss the most. I’ve never worked with VOS before, but they made me feel welcome and they’re like family and I’ll never forget that.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
