John Jay Alumna Helps Direct Meadow Pond’s 'Mary Poppins Jr.'

SOUTH SALEM, NY — When Meadow Pond Elementary School’s fifth grade Drama Club decided to present "Mary Poppins Jr.," 21-year-old Morgan Milone jumped at the chance to be involved. Not only is the South Salem resident an alumna of Meadow Pond as well as John Jay Middle and High Schools — where she participated in all of the school plays and musicals, but musical theater is her passion.

Milone is a senior at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she will receive her bachelor of fine arts degree this spring. Because of the college's long winter break, she was able to attend most of the Drama Club's rehearsals.

“It’s super inspiring to see young kids being exposed to theater,” Milone said, during an early morning rehearsal at Meadow Pond.

The stage was packed with nearly 30 students — enough for two ensembles of the play. The remainder of the grade would work backstage beginning the following week. Kate Belders, the parent director and set designer, was leading the actors through a curtain call.

Students who have speaking parts in one production may be in the ensemble in the other production, and other students are involved backstage, said Amanda Dickerson, the parent stage manager and production coordinator.

Meadow Pond Elementary School fifth grade Drama Club will present "Mary Poppins Jr." on at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. January 24 at the Meadow Pond Elementary School Cafetorium.

General admission seating is $10.00. Tickets are available here.

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.