Magical Starlight Theatre Presents "Mary Poppins"

Magical Starlight Theatre will present the Broadway musical, “Mary Poppins” to audiences Jan. 15-17 and Jan. 22-24, 2016 at Naperville Central High School auditorium.

The 63-member cast is working hard to prepare this classic, beloved musical under the direction of long-time, dedicated director Kris Visher.

“The show is huge—not just in numbers, or talent, or production value—but Mary Poppins holds a huge place in everyone’s heart,” explained Visher. “This is true whether they were children when the original movie was released, or have shared this beloved material with their own children now, or are discovering it for the first time.”

Several members of the cast echoed their affection for the story which brings family memories flooding back.

North Central psychology professor Paul Mullen, who plays Bert, recalls loving the movie and identifying with Dick Van Dyke as an actor. Somehow he finds time in his busy life to learn the script and attend rehearsals. “When a show is dear to me, I find a way,” he said.

Laurie Kometz-Edwalds, cast as Mrs. Corry, recalls her whole family singing the songs from the Mary Poppins soundtrack, as her mother would play the record “all the time.”

Visher points out that the stage production takes the iconic elements of the familiar movie and adds the drama of theatre to create something new and exciting.

Not only does the show provide great entertainment for audiences of all ages, but it also gives the actors and participants a multi-generational experience and an activity in which multiple members of a family can participate. In fact, 19 of the 63 cast members have at least one other family member in the show.

Oswego High School junior Sarah Obert, who plays Mary Poppins, commented on the family atmosphere of the show. As a first-time participant in a Magical Starlight Theatre production, she said that she felt very welcome by the cast and volunteers.

Tickets may be purchased at www.napervilleparks.org, at any Park District community relations desk, or by calling 630-848-5000. A sign language interpreter will be present at the Sat., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. show and at the Sunday, Jan. 24, 2:00 p.m. performance. For a complete list of performance times, visit http://www.napervilleparks.org/winter2016programguide/#10.

Magical Starlight Theatre is supported by hundreds of volunteers and by sponsor Reebie Storage and Moving Company.