With a “Spoonful of Sugar” and a “Practically Perfect” nanny, Mary Poppins Jr. is set to grace the stage at West Liberty-Salem High School this weekend. And the cast and crew hope it will be a whole-family experience.
For Renee Arnold, director, that’s one of the main reasons they chose this musical, which is based on the classic film.
“Our last two shows—The Addams Family and Footloose—were geared toward teenagers,” she said. “This time we wanted something geared toward elementary students to keep their interest in theatre.”
To give more people a chance to attend, the school has scheduled four performances—Friday, March 7, at 4 and 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 8, at 3 and 7 p.m.
Senior Ava Chamberlain takes on the lead role with spunk and charm. Helping her bring the story to life are Teagon Miller and Illa Kerns as George and Winifred Banks, plus Emery Longaberger and Brock Burgel as the Banks’ children, Jane and Michael.
Arnold hopes the audience will relate to this story about a dysfunctional family needing to remember the importance of time together with the people they love.
“Mary Poppins helps them see what really matters so they can find their happily ever after,” Arnold stated.
The production includes other song favorites like “Jolly Holiday,” “Step In Time” and, of course, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Bert, a chimney sweep and old friend of Mary’s played by Kamden Hissong, dances, sings and narrates the show.
Assisting Arnold behind the scenes are Jakob Schaufelberger, music director; Maverick Jacob, choreography; Chris Smucker, set design; and Greyson Horsley, lighting, sound and program design.
Though based on the 1964 film, this version is about an hour shorter yet still includes a few new scenes and songs.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased online at wlstigers.org or at the door.
