Student production of ‘Mary Poppins’ this weekend
The Rhinebeck High School Drama Club presents its spring musical, “Mary Poppins,” on Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at the Rhinebeck High School auditorium, 45 North Park Road, Rhinebeck.
“Mary Poppins” is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. It is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, enthusiastic dance numbers and memorable stage magic. At the opening of the show, Bert (played by Jonah Carleton), a jack of many trades and the show narrator, informs the audience something big is about to happen at the Banks household at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Jane and Michael Banks (Elena Raccuia and Sarah Palastra) are constantly misbehaving, and Katie Nanna (Maddy Crews) — the latest in a long line of nannies — has had enough.
Upon her leave, George Banks (Alejandro Garces) asks his wife, Winifred, (CeCe Chiappina) to place an advertisement in the newspaper for a new nanny. The magic begins when the children write their own ad and Mary Poppins (Grace Johnson) arrives on their doorstep, fitting the children’s requirements exactly.
As Mary Poppins begins to win over the children, George fights change and insists on maintaining order and convention. Things begin to go very wrong for him, though, when he is blamed for passing on a deal at the bank where he works and is suspended without pay. At the same time, Winifred tries to live up to her husband’s ideals of precision and order. After failing once more at having a dinner party of socialites, she struggles to understand her role within the family and begins to model Mary to find herself. As the story progresses, the seasons change and so do the mindsets of the characters involved. In the end, her job done, Mary Poppins says her goodbyes and flies off to her next task. Although the Banks family is sad to see her go, they are glad to have learned how to value each other once more.
Set under the backdrop of a typical English countryside, 1910 London skyscape and magical environments, painstakingly constructed and painted by the Rhinebeck High stage crew, the storyline of “Mary Poppins” is built around an exciting score featuring a plethora of musical theatrical favorites, including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Feed the Birds.”
In addition to the central figures in the show, a host of supporting characters animate the stage, keeping the show active and entertaining. Among them, Nelius (Hunter Mesuda) transforms from a Greek statue into a real boy, Mrs. Corrie (Sahara Williams) and her daughters, Annie and Fannie (exchange student Moureen Haider and Nicole Prout) provide literal conversation pieces at the park. In addition, The Bird Lady (Rachel Dull) teaches a lesson in generosity, while the discarded doll Valentine (Caleb Stone) leads a gang of mistreated toys in revolt and Miss Andrews (Maddy Murphy) entertains us in a battle of wits and will with Mary. In total, a cast, crew, and band of over 70 talented students are committed to a production that is nearly four months in the making.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students, seniors and children ages 10 and under.
Visit Rhinebeckcsd. org and click on the purchase tickets link to purchase tickets for reserved seating. Tickets will also be available on the day of each performance at the box office one hour before show time.
Call (845) 871-5500, ext. 5151, for more information.