Just in time for the Jolly ‘O’liday’s, Genesius Theatre presents the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical – Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” Dec. 9 through 18 at the Tenth & Walnut theater.
Reading’s own Jessica Kostival, will portray Mary Poppins through a special arrangement with Actors Equity Association-Special Guest Artist Contract.
Kostival was on Broadway in “42nd Street” as Dorothy Brock, “A Christmas Carol” at Madison Square Garden, “Magnolia in the National Tour of “Show Boat.” She also portrayed Anna in “the King and I” Anna at Genesius in 2014.
The colorful world of Mary Poppins comes to life like one of Bert’s pavement chalk drawings and is complete with rousing dance numbers, sweet comedy, and the beloved songs from the classic film. Greater Reading families are invited to travel across the Atlantic to Cherry Tree Lane where the Banks family is about to be introduced to a magical nanny who is “practically perfect in every way.
Adapted from the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film this musical, Mary Poppins, features music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, George Stiles, and Anthony Drewe.
The story has enchanted young and old for decades. Jack-of-all trades Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that, “Anything can happen if you let it.”
Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft.
The score features your favorite Poppins tunes including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Step in Time,” and ” Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
The eight children’s books by P.L. Travers, published from 1934 to 1988, first introduced us to the magical nanny who floated into the lives of the Bank’s family at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Mary Poppins’ encounters with chimney sweeps and other characters were re-envisioned in the Walt Disney film in 1964 starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The stage version was first presented in London’s West End in 2004, then on Broadway in 2006 where it ran until March 2013.
In addition to Kostival as Mary Poppins the Genesius Cast Includes: Alex Krick as Bert, Jordan Baylor as George Banks, Lindsey Villecco as Winifred Banks, Bridget Ottinger as Jane Banks, Zach Green as Michael Banks, Brian Trupp as Admiral Boom, Lyndsey Bosold as Mrs. Brill, Brandon Kegerize as Robertson Ay and a special guest appearance by one of the first Genesius actors dating back to 1971 – Linda Reedy as the Bird Woman.
“Mary Poppins,” is being directed by veteran local actor, director and music director Christopher Sperat and music directed by veteran local actor and music director, Kevin Cooper. Jericho Joy, Genesius’s Director of Dance and owner of Monarch Dance Studio is the choreographer! The production is produced by Genesius Artistic Producer, L J Fecho, set design by Brandon Kegerize and L J Fecho, lighting design by Spencer Moss Fecho and Julia Elberfeld, sound design by Albert Garcia, projections by Jordan Baylor, stage managed by Sarah Kiebach, costumes coordinated by Becka Malanious, Dara Himes and Cathy Miller, with set construction by John Bigos, Brandon Kegerize and Betty Gerstner.
“Mary Poppins” opens Friday, Dec. 9 and runs Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. with an additional evening performance at 7 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 14. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18. For Tickets please visit – www.genesiusdifference.org or call 610-373-9500 card fees apply. Tickets may also be available at the door.
Genesius Theatre is located at 153 North 10th Street, Reading, PA 19601
Genesius Theatre is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.
