Youth theater company finds magic in 'Mary Poppins'
The magical world of "Mary Poppins," the nanny who's practically perfect in every way, comes to Elgin in September for six enchanted performances.
And yes, Mary Poppins will fly, as will Bert, the chimney sweep, pavement artist and Mary's sidekick.
The Elgin-based Fox Valley Youth Theatre Company will present the musical at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19; and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 13 and 20 at the Blizzard Theatre of Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh musical is based on the "Mary Poppins" book series by P.L. Travers, with some of the songs from the 1964 Walt Disney movie of the same name. New songs also were written for the stage version, which was nominated for numerous Tony Awards.
"Mary Poppins" brings the Edwardian era to life, including the relationships between children and their nanny as well as children and their parents. Add to that chimney sweeps dancing on the rooftops, a jolly holiday in the park and a seemingly empty carpetbag that is actually chock full of belongings, and the stage is set for surprises sure to be enjoyed by theatergoers of all ages.
"Everyone always thinks the musical is about this magical nanny who brings love and laughter to Jane and Michael's lives," said Rachel Groth, who plays the title character. "And it is, to a point. But it's more about the redemption of George Banks, the changes that Mary Poppins helps bring about that permit him to become a loving and involved father and husband."
Eric Richter plays George Banks, who wants precision and order and is distressed to find those generally in short supply in the average family.
"George is an interpretation of Travers' father, and he's portrayed as a cold, hardhearted, strict parent and husband," said Richter.
Director Andy Bero, who himself is a FVTC alumnus, takes the theme of change beyond George.
"Mary Poppins restores unity and love in this very dysfunctional and broken family," he said. "You have a mother who doesn't know how to be maternal and a father who doesn't know how to be a dad. And the casualties of this broken family are the children, Jane and Michael.
"Mary Poppins brings about love and change," he said.
Colin Bokowy plays Bert, the chimney sweep who helps Mary engineer the transformations at 17 Cherry Tree Lane.
"Playing Bert is absolutely surreal," said Bokowy. Because the various versions - book, movie, stage play - all have depicted Bert somewhat differently, Bokowy says he has been free to create his own Bert.
"The most exhilarating part is that I get to walk on stage every night and play a Bert who is completely my own."
Director Bero noted the stage adaptation is known for its technical wizardry. This version, however, concentrates on bringing the magic out of a wonderful story.
"Magic is a child's imagination come to life," he said. "We are bringing magic back to the imagination of children."
In fact, to emphasize the community theater aspect of the production, Bero created the hashtag, "#magiconabudget."
"It's not expensive stage tricks. It's being in the moment, and what it's like to be a kid in the park, magically getting a kite to fly in the sky," he said.
The cast includes more than 55 young people, ages 13 to 20, from throughout the Fox Valley.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The Arts Center charges an additional fee of $1 per ticket for tickets at the door, and $4 per order for online and phone sales.
The Blizzard Theatre is at 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H in Elgin. For ticket sales and information, call (847) 622-0300 or elgin.edu/arts.
About the company
Fox Valley Theatre Company, for students in grade nine through age 20, is an affiliate of Children's Theatre of Elgin. CTE was founded in 1988 to provide local performing arts opportunities and instruction in live theater for children in grades two to nine.
Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company is in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. The organization is partially supported by grants from the Palmer Foundation, the Grand Victoria Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
For details, visit CTEelgin.com.
If you go
What: Fox Valley Youth Theatre Company and Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "Mary Poppins"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 and 20
Where: Elgin Community College Arts Center's Blizzard Theater, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
Tickets: $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The Arts Center charges an additional fee of $1 per ticket for tickets at the door, and $4 per order for online and phone sales.
Details: (847) 622-0300 or <a href="http://elgin.edu/arts">elgin.edu/arts</a>.