Magical Starlight Theatre to present 'Mary Poppins'
It takes only one word to know that Magical Starlight Theatre's latest production will stir up childhood memories.
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
Magical Starlight Theatre will present the Broadway musical "Mary Poppins" Friday to Sunday, Jan. 15-17 and Jan. 22-24, at Naperville Central High School auditorium, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. A sign language interpreter will be present at the shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24.
The 63-member cast is working hard to prepare the classic, beloved musical under the direction of Kris Visher.
"The show is huge - not just in numbers, or talent, or production value - but 'Mary Poppins' holds a huge place in everyone's heart," Visher said. "This is true whether they were children when the original movie was released, or have shared this beloved material with their own children now, or are discovering it for the first time."
Several members of the cast echoed their affection for the story, which brings family memories flooding back.
North Central psychology professor Paul Mullen, who plays Bert, recalls loving the movie and identifying with Dick Van Dyke as an actor. Somehow he finds time in his busy life to learn the script and attend rehearsals.
"When a show is dear to me, I find a way," he said.
Laurie Kometz-Edwalds, cast as Mrs. Corry, recalls her whole family singing the songs from the "Mary Poppins" soundtrack, as her mother would play the record "all the time."
Visher points out that the stage production takes the iconic elements of the familiar movie and adds the drama of theater to create something new and exciting.
Not only does the show provide entertainment for audiences of all ages, but it also gives the actors and participants a multigenerational experience and an activity in which multiple members of a family can participate.
In fact, 19 of the 63 cast members have at least one other family member in the show.
Oswego High School junior Sarah Obert, who plays Mary Poppins, commented on the family atmosphere of the show. As a first-time participant in a Magical Starlight Theatre production, she said she felt very welcome by the cast and volunteers.
Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. They may be purchased at napervilleparks.org, at any park district community relations desk, or by calling (630) 848-5000.
If you go
What: "Mary Poppins" musical
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 15-24
Where: Naperville Central High School auditorium, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Info: (630) 848-5000 or napervilleparks.org