"Mary Poppins" Set To Soar At MTHS
When Samantha Haldeman, director of the Manheim Township High School (MTHS) presentation of "Mary Poppins," chose the show, she was thinking of the students and the circumstances brought on by the pandemic. "I really felt they deserved a big, bright, joyful experience," said Haldeman, who said the story "of a family coming together and remembering what is truly important in life" is punctuated with opportunities to sing, dance, and leave troubles behind.
"Mary Poppins," based on the book by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, follows the story of the Banks children and their unusual nanny. The show will be staged at the school, 115 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster, on Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5, at 2 and 7 p.m. Haldeman has assembled a cast of 40, including high school and intermediate school students, as well as elementary school students, who will be featured in a children's ensemble. Junior Audrey Pavlica will play Mary to senior Ayush Iyer's Bert, with Evan Castner as George Banks and Dahlia Wolfe as his wife, Winifred. Kristen Bennett will play Jane Banks, and Abram Wolfe and Patrick McCarthy will share the role of Michael.
Pavlica has been interested in theater since she was a child, and she is excited to be pursuing her dream of singing and dancing. "I am so thankful and blessed with the opportunity," she said, noting that learning her part and putting the show together has been amazing.
Iyer said he is warming up to the role of the "fun and animated" Bert. He noted that mastering Bert's Cockney accent and flying are among the challenges of the role. Yes, members of the cast will be flying. "The flying is a lot of fun," said Iyer. "It's the most exciting, but requires a lot of core strength and focus."
"Mary Poppins" features a variety of musical numbers, including the well-known "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Jolly Holiday," and the dance-heavy "Step in Time." Although the dancing in his role is demanding, Iyer is enjoying meeting the challenge. "Every time Mary comes in, there's an element of magic, and that's my favorite part," he said. "I've learned the role, and I am very grateful to do it."
From the director's chair, Haldeman sees artistic and technical challenges that include creating nearly a thousand garments, a pit orchestra rehearsing challenging instrumental parts, and choreographing complicated and athletic footwork. She lauded parent volunteers who created magical props and the professional flying director who will help the actors float through the air.
Both Pavlica and Iyer cited the theme of family as an important message to audiences. "Family is special," said Pavlica. "It's all about bringing family together."
Iyer agreed, adding, "(I hope they) enjoy the small moments - family, love, and the stories we get to tell (them from) up here on stage."
Tickets may be purchased at the door or by visiting http://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/61099.
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