The world’s favorite nanny will fly into Livingston County as Hartland High School Drama Club presents “Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins,” Friday through Sunday, April 19-21, and April 26-28, at Hartland High School (HHS), 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
A “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” musical adventure for the entire family, “Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins” delighted Broadway audiences for more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film — one of the most popular Disney movies of all time — the musical presents jack-of-all-trades Bert, who introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.
Hartland Drama Club’s production of “Mary Poppins,” featuring 113 talented cast and crew members, brings the community a heartwarming message about love and cherishing what truly matters. With its irresistible story, astonishing stagecraft and unforgettable songs, such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Chim Chim Cher-Ee,” the beloved musical takes children of all ages on a magical and memorable journey.
According to Artistic Director Scott Usher, “Mary Poppins” at HHS is sure to capture audiences’ hearts in a delightfully new way.
“Most everyone has seen the movie, but there are some wonderful differences in the staged version of this classic,” Usher said. “We learn a lot more about the Banks family and gain an understanding as to why things are the way they are prior to Mary Poppins entering their lives. While I love the classic movie, it is for that reason that I love the stage musical of ‘Mary Poppins’ even more.”
HHS senior Sienna Dietze, student director, agrees. ‘
“Mary Poppins’ is not only a story full of wonder, but also a much deeper insight into the Banks Family’s hardships and how they grow and adapt over the arc of the production,” Dietze said. “The family’s transformation, mixed with a little bit of Mary Poppins’ magic, goes to show that, ‘Anything can happen if you let it.’”
Continuing Hartland Drama Club’s tradition of excellence, “Mary Poppins” showcases breathtaking dance numbers, choreographed by Karen Whittaker; spectacular vocals, guided by HHS Director of Choirs Bailey Tallman; and an impressive 29-student orchestra pit, rehearsed and conducted by Tallman.
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.com and at the door. Individual tickets purchased in advance are $16 for adults and $14 for students, children and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $18 for adults and $16 for students, children and seniors. Group rates are also available.
For more information, contact Scott Usher at (810) 626-2360 or via e-mail at scottusher@hartlandschools.us.
“MARY POPPINS” CAST INCLUDES: Ruby Landacre as Mary Poppins; Preston Dixon as Bert; Therin Preiss as George Banks; Sienna Dietze (Student Director) as Winifred Banks; Andie Leemgraven as Jane Banks; Macie Campbell as Michael Banks; Alayna Miller (Student Producer) as Mrs. Brill; Felix Sleeman as Robertson Aye; Maya Griffon as Banks Servant; Gemma Jaworski as Miss Andrew; Skye Schlueter as Bank Chairman; Saige Ellis as Bird Woman; Ryleigh Harris as Katie Nanna; Josie Archer as Annie and Policewoman; Ella Falkenhagen as Miss Lark; Nick Cipola as Admiral Boom; Paige Reck (Student Director in Training) as Park Keeper; Natalie Stevens as Queen Victoria; Dom Hunter as Neleus; Megan Patrick as Miss Smythe; Anthony Liloia as Von Hussler; Logan Clarke as John Northbrook; Christian Primm as Mr. Corry; Sophia Giorio as Fannie; Laurel Comiskey as Valentine; and several other members of Hartland Drama Club in the talented ensemble.
Therin Preiss as George Banks
Parents: Linda & Jason Preiss
Grade: Senior
Activities: Drama Club
Hobbies: Running, Video Games
Future Plans: I plan to go to college for acting and possibly writing.
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
I would say “A Man Has Dreams/Spoonful of Sugar Reprise.” The little duet George and Bert do together is such a huge moment of realization for George, and it’s honestly beautiful in general.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
Probably not, because I feel like I don’t need a nanny anymore.
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
I think Butterscotch would be a nice flavor.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
Life shouldn’t be such a grind that you lose sight of what makes you truly happy.
Which modern-day celebrity would you choose to play your character?
Chris Pratt.
Do you relate to your character in any way? What have they taught you?
I’d be scared if I related to George, but he has taught me to be more aware of how others feel, even if I didn’t think my actions would have any effect.
Gemma Jaworski as Miss Andrew
Parents: Victoria Jaworski
Grade: Senior
Activities: Drama Club, LINK Crew
Hobbies: Reading, drawing, video games
Future Plans: I plan to go to college for engineering while still letting my love for the arts flourish through community and collegiate theatre experiences.
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
I love the song “Anything Can Happen.” The message strewn throughout the cleverly placed words is so inspirational and allows the audience to leave the theatre feeling inspired.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
I would love to have Mary Poppins as my nanny. Along with her wit and charm, she’s magical. Who wouldn’t want that?!
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
If I could choose any flavor for my spoonful of sugar, it would have to be dark chocolate and raspberry.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
The whole show seems to represent a theme of kindness and acceptance. Both Jane and Michael struggle with empathy near the beginning of the show, but by the end, they are helpful and selfless. I believe that the world needs more of this mentality, and I hope those viewing the show are also impacted by this message.
Which modern-day celebrity would you choose to play your character?
I would love to see Meryl Streep as Miss Andrew. She has played foreboding characters before, such as in The Devil Wears Prada and Into the Woods. I just know she would sell this role perfectly!
Do you relate to your character in any way? What have they taught you?
I wouldn’t say I relate to Miss Andrew, but she definitely has very human qualities, such as a need for control and selfishness. Embodying this role has made me increasingly thankful for the loving, kind people I have in my life.
Alayna Miller as Mrs. Brill
Parents: Carrie Lee Magee and Chris Miller
Grade: Junior
Activities: Hartland Drama Club
Hobbies: Acting and crafts
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
The most meaningful song to me is “Anything Can Happen” because the message that it sends about being able to do anything if you set your mind to it is very motivational and inspiring.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
I would love to have Mary Poppins as a nanny because I want to experience the magic and lessons that Jane and Michael did.
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
My Spoonful of Sugar flavor would be Coconut.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
Everything requires a lot of work. It may be stressful but, in the end, it makes you a better person and always has a great outcome. This show required a lot of time to produce, but it is worth it because we are going to have amazing performances, and the people I work with make every minute worth it.
Which modern-day celebrity would you choose to play your character?
I think Rebel Wilson could play my role and it would be hilarious.
Do you relate to your character in any way? What have they taught you?
My friends and family claim that I relate to this character because I have a lot of sassiness like Mrs. Brill.
Ruby Landacre as Mary Poppins
Parents: Jennifer Landacre
Grade: Junior
Activities: Winter Guard and Drama Club
Hobbies: Choir and Legos
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
The “Spoonful of Sugar Reprise” because it is in that moment where everything comes to a close.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
Yes!! Mary Poppins is so fun I would love all of her games.
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
My spoonful of sugar would be rum punch.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
Probably the strong family storyline, and how the Banks family is mended.
Which modern-day celebrity would you choose to play your character?
Zendaya
Do you relate to your character in any way? What have they taught you?
Playing the role of Mary Poppins has taught me to be confident and decisive.
Lillian Tormey, Set Crew
Parents: Lisa and Ken Tormey
Grade: Junior
Activities: Color Guard, Winter Guard, LINK Crew, and Class Council.
Hobbies: Reading, playing my bassoon, and painting.
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
The most meaningful song to me in Mary Poppins is Jolly Holiday. It reminds me of all the bright colors and joy that can come from opening your eyes and truly seeing the world.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
I think that Mary Poppins would be a great nanny. I love the adventures that she takes the kids on and the lessons that Jane and Michael learn from her.
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
I think the flavor of my spoonful of sugar would be peach rings.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
A lesson that I learned from this show that has impacted me the most is knowing that you can rely on and trust others with difficult tasks.
What was your favorite prop or set piece to make or find for the show and why?
My favorite set piece is the main living area of the house because of the detail that went behind picking out the colors and design, as well as the research that had to be done on Victorian houses.
What role does your crew play in making theatre come to life?
My role in our theater program is to design the color schemes and the details that go into painting our set pieces. I’m also one of two set heads in our program who help direct the movement of our set during the productions.
Kate Darrow, Props Crew
Parents: Kelly and Jon Darrow
Grade: Senior
Activities: Drama Club, Winter Guard, Hartland Band/ Color Guard
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, and music.
Future Plans: I plan to attend Michigan State University with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology to later pursue a career in medical research.
What is the most meaningful song to you in Mary Poppins and why?
“Step in Time” is the most meaningful song to me. Between all the props I worked with for this song and being a featured dancer with no prior tap experience this song taught me a lot about hard work.
Would you like to have Mary Poppins as your nanny? Why or why not?
I think I would like to have Mary Poppins as a nanny because she would take me on lots of adventures which would be fun.
What flavor would your spoonful of sugar be?
My spoonful of sugar would taste like caramel iced coffee.
What lesson has most impacted you from this show?
The most impactful lesson to me was “anything can happen if you let it”. The past few years I’ve joined many groups that have given me so many unexpected opportunities because I was willing to try something new.
What was your favorite prop or set piece to make or find for the show and why?
My favorite prop to make in this show was the chimney sweeps. We were able to get many donated however we ended up needing a lot more and ones that were a little sturdier (come see our show to see what this was for). I had to design new sweeps that worked for our choreography, looked like the other ones, and were cheap to make. It ended up being a group project at my house to drill holes, straighten filament, and glue together the sweeps. It took 3 hours and 8 people and we finished 20 sweeps among other props that day.
What role does your crew play in making theatre come to life?
Props crew includes finding, buying, and making everything that the actors hold and interact with throughout the show. Props add another level to the show giving the actors something to interact with, which I think makes it more authentic.
