Mary Poppins By Cameron Mackintosh Directed by Dee Dee Sandt Opening June 16 at 8pm, playing through June 28 (Augusta, MI) On June 16 at 8:00 p.m., the Barn Theatre School opens the beloved, high – flying family musical, MARY POPPINS, starring 3rd year apprentice Hannah Eakin in the title role. Dee Dee Sandt directs this Broadway treasure.
This family favorite musical is based on the similarly titled series of children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick VanDyke, and is a fusion of various elements from the two. Mary Poppins is the practically perfect nanny who helps us learn to take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar, find the silver lining in every situation, and realize that sometimes we should just use the winds of change to go fly a kite. The jack-of-all trades, Bert (played by Barn favorite regular Jamey Grisham), introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael (portrayed by newcomers Riley Em Vandevelde and Daniel Sturdy respectively) have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. The Barn is happy to welcome back 1980 Barnie Richard Marlatt to portray George Banks and Brooke Evans as Winifred Banks with many other Barn favorites rounding out the cast. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. The Barn’s production features many of Barn favorites as well as flying effects by Hall Associates Flying, spectacular dancing, elaborate scenery and special effects, stunning costumes, and some of the most beloved and memorable songs ever written for a musical including “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly A Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Step in Time, ““Feed The Birds” and “Jolly Holiday” as well as several new songs
Some elements from the books that had been omitted from the film were restored. Receiving two Olivier Awards, among others, the stage version was first presented in London’s West End in 2004. It then opened on Broadway in 2006, winning Tony and Drama Desk Awards and ran until March 2013.
With attendance totaling nearly four million guests, the show has been seen by more people in the last six years than any Broadway show except Wicked and The Lion King.
Dee Sandt directs the Barn’s production. Choreographer is Jamey Grisham, with Musical Direction by Matt Shabala. Scenic Designer/Artist is Shy Iverson, Costume Designer is Carly Heathcoat. Lighting Designer is Andrew Carson, Properties are designed by Bethany Edlund. Sound is designed by Corey Boughton. Technical Director is Nick Hoovler.
Performances for MARY POPPINS are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. from June 16 through June 28.
Cast List In order of appearance
Bert………………………………………………………………………………Jamey Grisham
George Banks……………………………………………………………….Richard Marlatt
Winifred Banks……………………………………………………………….Brooke Evans
Jane Banks…………………………………………………………Riley Em VanDeVelde
Michael Banks…………………………………………………………………Daniel Sturdy
Katie Nanna………………………………………………………… Kasady Kwiatkowska
Policeman ………………………………………………………………….Nicholas Barakos
Miss Lark……………………………………………………………………. Bethany Edlund
Admiral Boom…………………………………………………………. Alexander Ghattas
Mrs. Brill ……………………………………………………………………….Penelope Alex
Robertson Ay………………………………………………………….Kevin Robert White
Mary Poppins………………………………………………………………… Hannah Eakin
Park Keeper ………………………………………………………………….LaRon Hudson
Neleus………………………………………………………………………………….. Jake Rura
Queen Victoria ……………………………………………………………..Micala Behrens
Bank Chairman………………………………………………Chance James Armstrong
Miss Smythe ………………………………………………………………….Brittanie Grace
Von Hussler …………………………………………………………………….. Charlie King Northbrook………………………………………………………………. Brandon Michaud
Bird Woman……………………………………………………………..Annadelle Kimber
Mrs. Corry………………………………………………………………..Samantha Rickard
Fannie ………………………………………………………………………………..Dani Apple
Annie …………………………………………………………………………………Sarah Lazar Valentine………………………………………………………………………..Dallyn Brunck
Teddy Bear ………………………………………………………………………………JJ Hoss
Mr. Punch………………………………………………………..Lephate Cunningham III
Doll ……………………………………………………………………………….. Julie Grisham Venus………………………………………………………………………………Julie Grisham
Miss Andrew …………………………………………………………………. Jackie Gubow Poseidon………………………………………………………………………… Jeremy Feight
Ensemble / Park Strollers, Customers, Kite Flyers, Sweeps: Dani Apple, Chance James Armstong, Nicholas Barakos, Alyssa Batsakis, Micala Behrens, Dallyn Brunck, Lephate Cunningham III, Jeremy Feight, Jeremy Feola, Hans Friedrichs, Alexander Ghattas, Brittanie Grace, Julie Grisham, Jackie Gubow, JJ Hoss, La Ron Hudson, Annadelle Kimber, Kasady Kwiatkowska, Sarah Lazar, Brandon Michaud, Dusty Reeds, Cody Stiglich.
