Dateline: London, 1911. An east wind swirls over the chaotic Banks home on Cherry Tree Lane. Young Jane and Michael pen a plea for help, launching a whirlwind of events that changes the course their lives in a most delightful way. At the center of the cyclone are Mary Poppins and her friend, Bert.
The story unfolds October 9-11 in Hicksville’s Huber Opera House. This Village Players mega production directed by Dave Snyder is notable for its comedy, energy, and fancy footwork-featuring a tantalizing mix of favorite songs and new classics. Downton Abbey mastermind Julian Fellows based the show’s script on the beloved Disney film and stories of P.L.Travers.
An unprecedented 70 tri-state hopefuls auditioned for roles and you can expect some of the area’s finest. Marilyn Guilford and Andrew Gross, remarkable for their singing, dancing, and acting, lend charm and skill to the lead roles of Mary Poppins and Bert. As Mr. and Mrs. Banks, Burton Rodman and Theresa McHugh maneuver through the challenges of careers, parenting, and nanny searches. Mischief makers, Jane and Michael Banks, Kate Farr and Trey McFarland, add childhood wonder throughout.
Among those providing comic relief are Mary Smith and Cord Ehrhart as bumbling family servants, Dennis Jackson as Admiral Boom, Pam Diehl as Miss Andrew, Hal Osmun as the park keeper, Deb Kolb as Miss Lark, and Jennifer Thomas as Mrs. Corry. Choreographer Julie Hall and her Dance Dolls lead Village Players veterans and guest artists over rooftops and through London’s parkways. Featured performers include an extremely talented chorus adds onstage dimension and depth to key musical numbers. You will recognize many names from other productions. They are Paula Meek, Jeff Rumple, Dennis Jackson, Brooke Schooley, Rosanna Yoder, Alin Cass, Jamy Shaffer, Joe Adams, Kris Rumple, Joshua Fine, Luk Rodman, Hal Osmun, Jane Ewing Weippert, Nathan Rodman, Rylan Brooks, Myranda Brooks, Crystal Brooks, Jodi Stoy, Corrie Ehrhart, Mallory Ehrhart, Melody Stevenson, Julia Clinton, Julie Hall, Caitlin Hitzeman, Tatem Stallard, Jordan Wells, Claudia Hitzeman, Anna Smalley, Josh Fine, Hal Osmun, Leah Thomas, Jennifer Figgins Thomas, Janet Kittle, Reverend Jeffrey Jewel, Loretta Jewell, and Cecelia Smalley.
Plans for Mary Poppins began in 2014 as Hicksville’s Village Players were among the first groups to be granted performance rights after the Mary Poppins musical was released to amateur organizations last October. With others following suit, it has become one of the most popular productions of 2015. The talented cast of 58 started rehearsals in July with musical direction by Alin Cass, producer Pam Diehl, assistant director Deano Smalley, and production assistants Stephanie Midkiff and Mary Smith. Set wizardry was imagined by Dave Snyder and brought to life by a dedicated cadre of volunteers.
