By Amanda Brown
Community Contributor
It will be a jolly holiday indeed when Dover-Sherborn Middle School’s production of the classic musical Mary Poppins opens at Dover-Sherborn’s Mudge Auditorium for four performances December 7th at 6:30pm, December 8th at 7pm, and December 9th at 1pm and 7pm.
The musical, based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, features over 100 Dover-Sherborn middle and high school students in the cast, crew, and orchestra. With music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers and a script by Julian Fellowes, the show tells the story of a magical nanny named Mary Poppins and what happens when she arrives at 17 Cherry Tree Lane to take charge of the Banks family.
Audiences can expect the songs they know and love, energetic dance sequences, and some surprises.
Director Claire Mackay encourages audiences to see this fun show again and again. “It's a ‘feel good’ story, she said. “You will sing along and find yourself singing long after the curtain comes down.”
This is the 10th year Mackay and Musical Director Geoff Herrmann have collaborated on the middle school’s fall musical. They are joined by Technical Director Jenifer Sunday and Orchestra Conductor Ardys Flavell.
The production features a double cast with Caroline Johnson and Brynn Cullum sharing the role of Mary Poppins, and Dash Savla and Sully McStravick sharing the role of the lovable chimney sweep Bert. The student actors worked with a professional flying crew to learn how to take flight in the show, which demanded hours and hours of rehearsal.
Sponsors Sequoia Custom Builders, Inc., My Gym Children's Fitness Center, Launch Entertainment Park, and Wimbledon Tennis & Pickleball Club made it possible for performers to learn to fly. "Believing in the sport above the prize is at the heart of what drives Dover-Sherborn students to succeed," shared Ryan Debin, entrepreneur and owner of Launch, My Gym Children's Fitness Center and most recently Wimbledon Tennis and Pickleball Club. "Success is measured by daring to try new things and, no doubt, all that are involved in the making of Mary Poppins have seen that anything is possible - even making Mary Poppins fly! We are glad to support students in all their endeavors at D-S."
Flying aside, preparing for the musical is no easy feat. All cast members learn difficult dance sequences and three and four part musical harmony. An amazing group of parent volunteers supports performers by keeping things running on the ground.
“It’s a real commitment,” said Mackay. “When you're watching the show, know that behind every little scene, there have been hours of rehearsal and dedication.”
Mackay loves watching what happens when the show opens and the students make the roles their own.
“When we put an audience in, and the kids realize that they have the confidence just to get up there and make this spectacular—it’s just amazing,” she said.
Be a part of the magic. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.ticketstage.com.
