FLORENCE ROUNDS UP LOCAL THEATER
‘I believe “Mary Poppins” continues to bring joy to people from generation to generation because of its magic and charm.’ Nick Bradley
Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg is preparing Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” which will be performed June 8-17 in the Miamisburg Memorial Auditorium.
Set in 1910 England and based on the 1964 Academy Award-winning film of the same name and the books by P.L. Travers, the story concerns the emotionally strained Banks family, whose lives are changed by the magical influence of Mary Poppins. The score includes many of the film’s superb Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman tunes such as “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “A Spoonful of Sugar,” in addition to new songs written in the Sherman vein by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe such as “Practically Perfect” and “Anything Can Happen.”
“I believe ‘Mary Poppins’ continues to bring joy to people from generation to generation because of its magic and charm,” said Nick Bradley, who portrays chimney sweep Bert. “With all of the tricks of ‘Mary Poppins’ there is a deeper story of struggle and a theme of ‘anything can happen if you let it’ in which we all learn to face challenges no matter how atrocious.”
Bradley, memorably seen as Gaston in CPAM’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” has chosen to particularly convey Bert as someone who grew up in a broken home similar to Jane and Michael Banks. He says the choice draws a stronger connection between Bert and the children.
“I hope to convey to the audience that Bert is a man without a care in the world, but a strong belief and hope that things will get better, as if he almost knows for certain they will.”
The production will feature stage direction by Human Race Theatre Company resident artist Alan Bomar Jones, vocal direction by Tracy Miller, choreography by Sherri “Sparkle” Williams of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and music/ orchestral direction by Chris Haines.
Performances are June 8, 9, 15-17 at 7 p.m., and June 10 at 2 p.m. Memorial Auditorium is located at 540 West Park at Sixth St., Miamisburg. Tickets are $9-$11. For more information, visit cpamburg. com.
Nasa engineer to open Victoria National Geo Live! series
The Victoria Theatre Association’s 2018-2019 National Geographic Live! Series, sponsored by Subaru of America and Wagner Subaru, has altered its lineup. NASA mechanical engineer Kobie Boykins will open the slate Feb. 3 and 4, instead of planetary geologist Ellen Stofan.
“Due to scheduling conflicts, Ellen Stofan’s presentation on ‘A Planet to Call Home’ will be replaced by ‘Kobie Boykins: Exploring Mars,’” said Ken Neufeld, President and CEO of Victoria Theatre Association. “Boykins is a NASA engineer whose
Bert
projects include the Mars Rover, Pathfinder and Curiosity. Mr. Boykins will kick off the 2018-2019 National Geographic Live! Series with an intergalactic bang! We wanted to make sure our subscribers had ample time to renew their subscriptions as well as welcome any new subscribers who would like experience Nat Geo Live!”
“If we can inspire just one person, that’s an amazing feat,” Boykins says. “And maybe that’s the person that’s going to stand on the surface of Mars.”
National Geographic Live! is a three-part speaker series showcasing our world through the eyes of a National Geographic Live magazine’s explorers, filmmakers, scientists and more. In addition to Boykins, the lineup includes climber and adventurer Mark Synnott (March 10-11) and nature photographer Florian Schulz (April 14-15).
Lectures are held Sundays at 3 p.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. For more information or to renew or purchase a subscription, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit online at ticketcenterstage.com.
Remembering Enrique Romaguera
A Celebration of Life for longtime local arts patron Enrique Romaguera, University of Dayton professor emeritus in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures, will be held Saturday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Queen of Apostles Parish, 4435 E. Patterson Road, Beavercreek. Romaguera died May 10.
A native of Puerto Rico, Romaguera was a 1965 UD graduate who taught at the university for over 30 years. In addition to performances at UD, he was a faithful and familiar supporter of Dayton Theatre Guild, Dayton Playhouse, Beavercreek Community Theatre, Muse Machine, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Sinclair Community College, and Wright State University among many others. An avid moviegoer, he regularly enjoyed the Neon Movies, particularly attending various film festivals as well as the annual Oscar Party.
“Enrique was widely known across campus and throughout Dayton, especially in the arts community,” said Provost Paul Benson. “He attended virtually every concert or play that was on offer, and he never missed a film at the Neon. He was a terribly kind and thoughtful person.”
A reception in Sieben Hall will follow the service. Anyone planning to attend should RSVP to Deacon Gregory J. Cecere at gacohio@sbcglobal.net.