'The Understudies' Call on Renowned Australian Actress for Comedic Mary Poppins Portrayal

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Renowned Australian actress Romy Teperson is starring as an imagined Mary Poppins in the multi-format musical comedy, The Understudies, from director-producer Brian Cobb. The show is currently being pitched for TV, a feature film and a stage musical. A pilot and teaser were shot in Australia with alternate storylines and character arcs.

The story follows a desperate bartender with Broadway directing dreams who manipulates a troupe of misfit understudies into believing their big break is debuting in her upcoming hit musical. The Understudies showcases fictitious, cynical substitutes of the Tin Man, Annie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Mary Poppins, Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera, Sally Bowles from Cabaret and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast.

"Being born in South Africa, growing up in the U.S. and living most of my adult life in Australia allowed for me to see many different characters, stereotypes, cultures and the humor translating into all of those," said Teperson. "Mary uses her charm to get what she wants. It gives me a chance to use my strong character and improv comedy skills. You're always seeing the darker undertones of the understudies trying to get there."

Cobb, producer of The Plex starring Yvonne StrzecHowski (Chuck, Dexter), said, "Romy brings a tremendous presence to the show. Her vivacious charisma is perfect for the role. She gives her character engaging dimensions that look great in front of the camera or on the stage."

Teperson is known for acting in Wild Girls Gone starring Golden Globe nominee Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation). She's also acted in the Logie nominated SBS comedy TV series Swift and Shift Couriers starring Amanda Keller, and the Cannes screened film Next Door to the Velinsky's.

In 2010, Teperson became the first ever Australian to receive the William H. Macy scholarship at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York. Founded by Oscar nominees William H. Macy and David Mamet, Atlantic Theatre Company accepted Teperson after she performed an original rap dedicated to the TV series, Friends. Teperson has trained with vocal coach Erana Clark (Australian Idol) and Patricia Amphlett, an Aria Hall of Fame inductee.

Also starring in The Understudies are Andrew Steel, Nicole Cervanaro, Mathew Hyde, Adam George, Alexandra Doicinova, Nikki Britton, Jacob Inglis and Fiona Pepper.

SOURCE Romy Teperson