Press Release: “Mary Poppins” at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts presents Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s beloved family musical “Mary Poppins” November 20 to December 16. Performances are Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM.

Produced by Cindy Parker and directed by Michele Colley, with musical direction by Kris Hill, “Mary Poppins” offers spectacular family entertainment, just in time for the holidays. “This show is ‘practically perfect’ in every way,” said Colley. “It includes all your favorite songs, and it is full of energetic dancing, colorful creative sets, wonderful costumes, and lots of heart. It’s simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Narrator and jack-of-all-trades, Bert (played by Elliott Sicard), introduces us to the troubled Banks family of No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane in 1910 England. Mr. Banks (Christopher Schultz) is preoccupied with his work at the bank and Mrs. Banks (Rebecca Riley), a former actress, oversees the household as best she can. Bad-tempered young Jane (Julia Ernst and Kaitlyn Markowski) and her mischievous little brother Michael (Nathaniel Schultz and Max Wesp) are difficult to handle and have just sent their last nanny packing.

The self-described “adorable” children write an ad to find the perfect new nanny, but George Banks, feeling quite differently about the characteristics that make a good nanny, tears up their ad and throws it in the fireplace. Moments later, Mary Poppins (Sara Sneed) appears, the children’s advertisement in hand, ready to take charge.

With Bert’s help, Mary leads the rambunctious children on magical adventures, introduces them to intriguing characters, and, with patience, humor, common sense, and an abundance of song and dance, teaches them, and eventually their parents, valuable life lessons.

“Mary Poppins” is brimming with cherished music from the Disney movie, including “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Several new songs, such as “Practically Perfect,” “Brimstone and Treacle,” and “Anything Can Happen,” add to the fun. There is plenty of lively dancing too, most notably when the chimney sweeps kick up their heels to “Step in Time.”

The cast includes Andrew Baldasaro, Jacob Carlson, Florence Carlson, Beverley Carlson, Sophia Cohrs, Jon Cornet, Randy Doyle, Michael Ernst, Julia Ernst, Michael Good, Aeva Hammond, Holly Hansen, Charlie Jenkins, Kevin Kenneally, Katie Koglin, Aiden Langhorne, Shelby Locascio, Madison Maiorano, Morgan Maiorano, Kaitlyn Markowski, Keirnon McDermott, Christina Minions, Meg Morris, Laura O’Neill, Martha Paquin, Mary Rice, Rebecca Riley, Nick Romano, Jessie Rullo, Paula Schnepp, Nathaniel Schultz, Christopher Schultz, Laura Shea, Elliott Sicard, Sara Sneed, Anne Spillane, Henry Stoermer, Brianna Sullivan, Meghan Sullivan, Io Torrellas, Justin Torrellas, Jean Walker, Max Wesp, Michael White, Thomas White, and R. Michael Wresinski.

Lighting Design is by Greg Hamm. The set is designed and painted by Cris Reverdy, with construction led by Sean McCahill and Bruce Allen. Valerie Kenyon is designing set piece effects, costumes are by Tami Trask Good, and props are by Amy Canaday and Bonnie Corliss. With magical set pieces, over 150 costumes and more than 200 props, the production crew is aided by a team of creative and enthusiastic volunteers.

“Mary Poppins” is based on the series of children’s books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The original music and lyrics is by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with book by Julian Fellowes. New songs and additional music and lyrics are by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. It was opened in London in 2004 and on Broadway in 2006, where it ran for six years, where it was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Tickets are $37, $32 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans. Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

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What:

“Mary Poppins”

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

November 20 to December 16. Tuesday, November 20, at 7:30 PM; Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM

Admission:

$37, $32 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans.

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