Brookville embraces joy and dysfunction within ‘Mary Poppins’
The practically perfect nanny is back. Brookville Community Theatre presents “Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins” beginning Thursday, June 28.
Set in 1910 England and based on the 1964 Academy Award-winning film and the books by P.L. Travers, the beloved tale concerns the fractured home of George and Winifred Banks, whose marriage is on a downward spiral. As his career overwhelms him, George has difficulty connecting to Winifred and their ill-mannered children Jane and Michael. However, with the arrival of the purposefully stern Mary Poppins, the Banks household undergoes one of the most delightful, moving and lifechanging makeovers imaginable. Mary’s special brand of magic and common sense whimsically erases disorder, but the very fact that she teaches the family to love again is the most important aspect of her legacy.
“This version really delves into the dysfunction between George and Winifred,” said director James Nelson. “As Mary begins to rescue the family from ruin, George finds himself and Winifred finds out who she is, which is nice. In some shows you aren’t able to see great character development, but that’s not the case with this one. Mary is not just in this show to sing some great songs. She’s there to rekindle the relationship between George, Winifred and the children.”
“I really enjoy Bert’s connection to Mary, the bit of mystery behind how they know each other,” added Kendal Garrett, who portrays chimney sweep Bert and appeared last season at BCT as Will Parker in Nelson’s charming production of “Oklahoma!” “I also really enjoy how basically everyone in the show knows Bert. He’s friendly with all of them as if they’re his own family. I’m hoping to convey a very energetic and optimistic Bert who is lovable and genuine.”
“I enjoy how opposite Mary and Bert are,” Nelson echoed. “Mary is very reserved and no-nonsense. Bert is very fun, laidback and happy-go-lucky. Kendal has really loosened up in this role and Rebecca Henry, who plays Mary, has nailed her role for me, too.”
In addition to Henry and Garrett, the principal cast includes Mark Van Luvender as George Banks, Sheryl Koontz as Winifred Banks, Danikah Skaroupka as Jane Banks, Jonah Sievers as Michael Banks, Debbi Robbins as Mrs. Brill, Bill Impson as Robertson Ay, Rebekah Skaroupka as Bird Woman, Jenna Vance as Mrs. Corry, Garrett Hensley as Northbrook, and Kathleen Durig as Miss Andrew.
The score includes many of the film’s iconic Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman tunes such as “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Feed the Birds,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Step in Time,” in addi- tion to new songs written in the Sherman vein by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe such as “Practically Perfect,” “Being Mrs. Banks,” “Brimstone and Treacle,” and “Anything Can Happen.”
“The music is just so catchy and classic,” noted Nelson, whose artistic team includes choreographer Catherine Rarick and music director Amanda Newhart. “Even the new songs are catchy and contribute so well to the magic of the evening. Although this version is not a retelling of the movie – it is very different, darker and closely follows the books – it still ends happily.”
“‘Mary Poppins’ continues to resonate with audiences today because not only is it a great and touching story about a family coming together, but it is just so much fun to watch,” Garrett said. “There isn’t a moment during the show that isn’t eyecatching. Seeing the magical effects of Mary and Bert will be something I think audiences will enjoy for years to come.”