Audiences can now book their seats for a musical ride on a flying umbrella.
The international smash Mary Poppins has been a favourite in book, stage, stereo and film forms since it was first given to the world in 1934 by author P.L. Travers. Now the show that contains the magical nanny and all those ubiquitous songs lands at a theatre in Prince George.
Judy Russell Presents is in the midst of rehearsals now for the all-local production. There will be 16 performances at least, from July 19 to 31.
"Mary Poppins is the practically perfect nanny who helps us learn to take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar, find the silver lining in every situation, and realize that sometimes we should just use the winds of change to go fly a kite," said Russell.
"Mary brings order to the Banks' household, takes Jane and Michael out on magical adventures, and dispenses sage advice - 'anything can happen if you let it.' Mary Poppins is full of fantasy and magic and is truly a musical adventure."
The score features favourite Poppins tunes including A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Jolly Holiday, Let's Go Fly a Kite, Step In Time, Chim Chiminey, and many more.
The show also spotlights some of popular culture's most beloved characters, all portrayed in this production by some of this region's most acclaimed actors and dancers.
Russell announced that "the cast is led by the return to the Prince George stage of the lovely Amanda Spurlock as Mary Poppins."
She will be supported by Adam Harasimiuk as Bert, Gary Chappel as George Banks, Amy Blanding and Laura Heagy sharing the role of Winifred Banks, Sandra Clermont as Mrs. Corry, Catherine McCarthy as Miss Andrews, Padraig Hogan as Robertson Ay, Tracy Summerville as Mrs. Brill, Bradley Charles as Admiral Boom/von Hussler/Bank Chairman, Anna Russell as Miss Lark, Dwight Wolfe as the Park Keeper, Luke Lapp as Northbrook, and Katherine Trepanier as the Bird Lady.
The Banks children are double cast. Felix Nelles and Mattias Cheung play Michael Banks; Rya Quarenghi and Kendra Hamelin plays Jane Banks.
The creative team includes Robin Norman as musical director, show designers Bill Russell and Jon Russell, Nicole Russell as choreographer, and Susan Klein leading the orchestra.
The spawning books totaled eight in the Travers series, spread out from 1934 to 1988.
The books were condensed and some Disney reimaging led to the famous 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
The stage version was first presented in London's West End in 2004, then on Broadway in 2006 where it ran until March 2013.
Now it comes to the Prince George Playhouse. Tickets are on sale now online at centralinteriortickets.com, or at the Central Interior Tickets kiosk inside Enchainement Dance Center (3540 Opie Cres.).
Prices are $40 regular, $35 for those 18 and younger.
For more information call 250-563-2902.
