Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre on April 25, 26, and 27 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday.
Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Mary Poppins will be offered on Saturday, April 26 at 1 PM for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory processing needs. Interested individuals must register for free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Education Department at (419) 522-2726, extension 212. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
A lovable jack-of-all-trades, Bert, invites us to embark on a journey to England in 1910 and introduces us to the Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins, the practically perfect nanny, arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures. Still, Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Guiding the Banks children, Jane and Michael, through a world of wonder and imagination, Mary Poppins not only leaves an indelible mark on their lives but also imparts invaluable lessons about the importance of family, friendship, and self-discovery to the adults around them. At its heart, the story celebrates the power of imagination and the transformative impact of love and kindness.
“This production of Mary Poppins showcases not only the beloved story and timeless music but also the dedication, creativity, and growth of our cast, ranging from ages 9 to 18. It’s been very gratifying to see them, as they’ve embraced the heart of this story, find joy, imagination, and the power of believing in the impossible, shares Maloney. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience the wonder and all the heartwarming moments that make Mary Poppins such a cherished classic.”
The cast is composed of nearly 50 students ages 9-18 from the following schools: Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Mapleton, Nor-Wayne, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts, and Shelby..
The cast is led by Carter King performing in the role of Bert, as well as Taylor Beasley as Mary Poppins. The role of the Banks family will be played by Gage Workman as George, Callina Francis as Winifred, and Alyssa Racer and Marco Armstrong as Jane and Michael, respectively. The cast also includes: Gabriel Anderson, Lilly Bailey, Brynleigh Ball, Kiptin Ball, Jordyn Beasley, Morgyn Beasley, Sawyer Beasley, Wyatt Bechstein, Breah Boyd, Loren Carmel, Aubree DeLand, Isla Donley, Josephine Foster, Elina Gilland, Alese Graves, Hudson Hamelink, Emersyn Henderson, Lyra Howell, Bethany Johnson, Nakiyah Johnson, Marilena Kruer, Steliana Kruer, Rosie Lawhorn, MaKayla Lawrence, Toby Lux, Briner McCready, Evie McCready, Lilly McCready, Milo McDonald, Jackalyn Metz, Saige Painley, Chelanta Phillips, Alyssia Pickett, Drake Remy, Maddie Rice, Caroline Secrist, Elise Smith, Graycen Stevens, Abby Thompson, Alex Trolian, Sloane Walter, Makenzie Wynn.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film, the musical features original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with new songs and additional music and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles. The book of the show was written by Julian Fellowes. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Productions, and directed by Richard Eyre with co-direction from Matthew Bourne, the original West End production opened in December 2004 and won two Olivier Awards, one for Best Actress in a Musical and the other for Best Theatre Choreographer. The original Broadway production opened in November 2006, and played for 2,619 performances, closing in March 2013. It received seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and won for Best Scenic Design in a Musical.
Source, Image: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
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