Take an enchanting, classic story with vibrantly positive characters; add oodles of familiar, uplifting songs that make you feel wonderful; then stage it live, complete with a no-nonsense nanny who actually flies. If it sounds like a magical, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” kind of experience, it is, because Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical is flying with the Missoula Community Theatre April 28-May 15!
Umbrella in hand, Mary Poppins appears at the home of the Banks family. The family is at their wit’s end: the parents are frustrated, and the children have terrorized yet another caretaker. In time, Mary’s firm, friendly, and animated approach to nurturing the children transforms the entire family. While the stage musical has unique aspects not found in the Disney movie, there are familiar characters, music, and the delightful story you will long remember.
Director Joseph Martinez comments that “this is a really big show with lots of movement,” but the creative staff and the cast are meeting the challenges with “A Spoonful of Sugar.” Choreographer Megan Wiltshire adds, “I love seeing the cast leave rehearsal with big smiles on their faces.” Pulling double-duty as music director and conductor is Lizzie Hatfield, tasked with teaching over 30 musical numbers to a cast of 49 actors. Once that is complete she will move down to the pit to oversee a dozen orchestra members. Added to the artistic/technical mix is ZFX, Inc., a company that specializes in theatrical effects, and is working with MCT to incorporate the flying.
Martinez says his greatest joy with this rehearsal process has been seeing the many new faces involved on stage. “Just watching them and seeing their excitement and drive is always rewarding.” No doubt, the strong creative team and cast are enthusiastically taking this show to new heights!
***Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical is a production of the Missoula Community Theatre and runs April 28-May 15 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. An adapted performance for those on the autism spectrum is May 10. Tickets are available at www.MCTinc.org, by calling 406-728-7529 or at MCT’s Box Office. Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical is sponsored by US Bank; Equity Management; Allegiance Benefit Plan Management; and premier sponsor Delta Air Lines.
