Fleetwood Community Theatre is proud to announce the opening of “Mary Poppins” on July 19. The production will play at the Fleetwood High School Auditorium, 803 N. Richmond St., Fleetwood, for four performances only, July 19, July 20 and July 21 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m.
“Bringing the magic and emotion of Mary Poppins to Fleetwood has been a dream come true,” says Tara Sands, FCT’s Artistic Director and Theatre Vice President, and Director of the this production. “This is a story that teaches everyone to look past a person’s wardrobe, career, and status because sometimes the “best people” really are not the best.”
The Banks family has lost another nanny. Jane and Michael are just too much for a normal person to handle, and George – their father – expects nothing but the best. Jane and Michael have a different version of the best nanny – one who will play games, tell stories, and love them as if they were her own children. Winifred – the mother – is trying so hard to please everyone that she has lost sight of whom she really is too. But more obviously, George and Winifred have lost sight of what and who is really important, family.
Mary Poppins arrives to guide this lost family back to the right path. She and an old friend, Bert, take the children on several play dates in the park, to the bank, the cathedral and even to the rooftops! The children quickly learn that things are really different with Mary Poppins around. Nothing is as it appears. But all this fun still isn’t getting Jane and Michael what they really want – attention from Mum and Da.
Ultimately, Mary’s magic makes everything right again. Miss Andrew is tossed to the wind, George’s decisions at work were actually the correct choices, and Winifred realizes she is so much more than a trophy wife.
“Mary Poppins” is a musical with music and lyrics by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. The book by Julian Fellows is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. New songs, music, and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It debuted in London’s West End in 2004 and on Broadway in New York in 2006. Mary Poppins ran for 7 years garnering many awards during it’s initial Broadway run including a Tony for Best Scenic Design.
The production is under the direction of Tara Sands with musical direction by Matthew Hayes. Hunter-Willow Jones is the Stage Manager. Set Design and construction by Micah Wentzel, lighting design by Curtis Filchner, and sound design by Eko Productions/Albert Garcia.
The cast for Mary Poppins includes
Bert: Kerry McGuireGeorge Banks: George Kovarie
Winifred Banks: Melissa KopiczJane Banks: Peyton Polanco
Michael Banks: Griffin JonesMrs. Brill: Laura Jones
Robertson Ay: Steven GehringerMary Poppins: Darice Hoffmann
Katie Nana/Neleus: Hallie Barrell
Park Keeper/Northbrook: Jim Hoffmann
Admiral Boom/ Von Hussler: Stephen Miller
Miss Lark: Julie KellerMrs. Corry: LeAnne Zettlemoyer
Queen Victoria/Fannie: Madison Heckman
Annie/Bank Clerk: Emily JonesPoliceman/Bank Chairman: John Fielding
Valentine: SaraAnn HarbonicTeddy Bear: Zoe Bean
Raggedy Ann: Kendall HarwellMr. Punch: Ryan Stuber
Ballerina: Laina KellerBunny Rabbit: Jackie Stuber
Board Of Directors: Ken Dreistadt, Brian Cunningham
Ensemble: Laura Jones, Steven Gehringer, Hallie Barrell, Jim Hoffmann, Stephen Miller, Julie Keller, LeAnne Zettlemoyer, Madison Heckman, Emily Jones, John Fielding, SaraAnn Harbonic, Zoe Bean, Laina Keller, Kendall Harwell, Ryan Stuber, Jackie Stuber
Fleetwood Community Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization of theatre lovers currently in their 31th season. FCT is committed to the education and development of their membership within the theatre arts program by offering opportunities to all ages both on-stage and behind the scenes. As an outlet of quality musical, dramatic and ensemble productions, it encourages and supports local youth to pursue performing arts opportunities through school, church, collegiate or other local productions.
For more information on Fleetwood Community Theatre, visit fleetwoodcommunitytheatre.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fFeetwoodTheatre.
Tickets are for sale for assigned seating for all shows, available in advance through July 18 and available at the door. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 484-793-0918.
