“Practically Perfect” Mary Poppins, Jr presented by Mainstage

Mary Poppins first brought her magic to Cherry Tree Lane in PL Travers book in 1934. Thirty years later, she came to life in Disney’s beloved movie. Today, after delighting children of all ages for many decades, the practically perfect nanny comes to Mainstage Center for the Arts in a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance of Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr., an adaption of the popular Broadway musical. This production runs July 25-27 at Camden County College’s Dennis Flyer Theater. It is sponsored by McGuiness Funeral Home, Precision Power Wash, Ryan Bansky Expert Tree Service, and GLS Painters.

In Mary Poppins, Jr, the jack-of-all trades, Bert (Ryan McDermott of Gloucester Township), introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. George Banks (Chase Catling of Blackwood) and his wife Winnifred (Lily Kent of Medford) are at a loss as to how to properly raise their children in a society that expects them to live up to a particular status. Young Jane (Claire Corriveau of Plainsboro) and Michael (Damon Collins of Stratford) have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins (Madison Maiorini of Marlton) arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.

“In the past, I’ve normally played roles that provide comic relief. I didn’t believe it at first when I was cast as Mary Poppins. It’s been an amazing experience. I’m enjoying being part of a show that’s engrained pop culture,” said Maiorini.

McDermott is also enjoying his role of Bert. “He’s such a fun character to portray. And working with this cast and our director makes it fun, too.”

Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, including a trip to their father’s bank. During this trip the group meets the Bird Woman (Jade Wesley of Glassboro).

“It’s great being part of all the fun adventures that Mary Poppins finds for Jane and Michael. I really like using the accent and playing up the brattiness,” said. Collins.

Corriveau agrees and says, “The song and dance numbers are the most fun.”

When Mary temporarily leaves the Banks’ household, the family must deal with George Banks’ childhood nanny, Ms. Andrews (Vilmi Roselli of Washington Township), who proves to be a cruel tyrant.

In the end, with the help of Mary Poppins, the family learns that “anything can happen if you let it."

Mary Poppins, Jr. is directed by Francine Odri, a director, choreographer, writer, and teaching artist based in South Jersey and Philadelphia. She is a recent graduate of Drew University, where she double majored in English and theatre with a minor in dance and choreography.

The production runs Wednesday and Thursday, July 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m., and Friday, July 27 10:30 a.m. in the newly-renovated, fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood. Following the performances the audience may meet cast members in the courtyard on the left side of Lincoln Hall.

In addition to Mary Poppins, Jr., the remaining Summer Stage season includes Magic Up Our Sleeve, August 1-3. Mainstage will also present its 30th Anniversary Show on July 21, 7:30 pm and The Addams Family on July 27-29. In addition, the Video Film program will premiere short films on August 3 and the Mainstage Apprentice Campers will present Wonderland on August 5. McDonald’s of Blackwood & Hurfville sponsors the Children’s Theatre Season and AP Construction sponsors Summer Stage. Performances are $11 for children/seniors and $12 for adults. To purchase tickets visit www.mainstage.org or call (856) 227-3091.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, located in Blackwood, NJ is committed to making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at (856) 227-3091 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.