The supercalifragilistic hit musical “Mary Poppins” aims to deliver a jolly holiday audience experience when it opens for five performances Wednesday at Naperville North High School.
“We wanted a show that the community can get invested in and that would challenge our students and provide an opportunity for growth,” director Nick Janssen said. “‘Mary Poppins’ is that show.”
Based on the original stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film of the same name, “Mary Poppins” is a family-friendly production with a goal of delighting audiences of all ages, Janssen said.
More Top Picks Fl 41 Glasses For Migraine What The Research Shows
“There will be a lot of tunes that people know and a lot of visual spectacles,” he said. “We take the concept of the show to the extreme, but there are some nice touching moments in there as well.”
About 80 actors, singers and dancers, a 28-member orchestra, and a costume and technical crew of 22 bring the classic story to the stage.
Mary, played by senior Ana Oddo, brings a special combination of whimsy, magic and discipline to the Banks’ home when she is hired as a nanny for the unruly children. Senior Nora Snyder, 18, plays Mrs. Banks, the distracted mother of Jane and Michael who is in desperate need of Mary’s help.
“I loved watching ‘Mary Poppins’ as a child and even saw the Broadway show when the tour came to Chicago,” Snyder said. “I feel like this show has been with me for so long, and I really enjoy the complexity of Mrs. Banks; she is very much a foil to Mary Poppins.”
Junior Michael Winner, 17, has taken the role of Bert to new heights – literally – as his character not only flies (along with Mary and a few others) but “walks upside down on the ceiling.” in one number.
“I have always wanted to do something like fly on stage and now I actually get to do it,” Winner said. “It is an experience to sing upside down, but it’s more fun than nerve-racking.”
Janssen said the flying component is just another layer to add to an already dazzling show.
“I really hope our Naperville community comes out and sees it because it’s a great family production,” the director said. “No matter what age you are you will really enjoy it.”
“Mary Poppins” will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online at www.naperville203.tix.com.