On a recent Monday afternoon at Dover-Sherborn Middle School’s (DSMS) Mudge Auditorium, a spectacular sight took place: 7th grader Brynn Cullum and 8th grader Caroline Johnson were taking turns floating through the air, holding the iconic umbrella and satchel of Mary Poppins.
Moments later, 8th graders Sully McStravick and Dash Savla (both cast as Bert, the main chimney sweep) were practicing their flips mid-air—ten to fifteen feet off the ground.
These awe-inspiring stunts were brought to life with the expertise of ZFX, a Kentucky-based flying effects company specializing in stage productions. Flying Director Cameron Good traveled to Dover to oversee the installation of the flying rig system in Mudge Auditorium. After safety checks, Good led an intensive training course for the flying cast and crew. The students were introduced to flying techniques, familiarized with the harness and wire, and trained in movement on the rig.
The backstage flying crew, including high school students Bradley Hodson-Walker, Silas Morris, Dylan Melenovsky, Bea Hackett, Bella Boussy, and Izzy Beauregard, mastered the art of maneuvering the ropes to control the actors' mid-air motions. The rigging system is designed so that each character that flies is controlled by two people backstage manning the ropes – one set of ropes lifts the actors up and down, and another moves them from side-to-side. Bradley expressed, “It's an incredible feeling to enhance the audience's experience by orchestrating the flight of our performers across the stage.”
This delightful musical is based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film about the Banks family and their changed lives after nanny Mary Poppins arrived at their home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London. Director and Sherborn resident Claire Mackay stated, “We are very excited to be presenting a classic like Mary Poppins. It is always popular with families, and the flying is always a big hit.”
A production of this caliber is only possible through the philanthropy of individuals and local businesses. One contributor toward helping Mary Poppins take flight is SEQUOIA Custom Builders, Inc., who “build homes with the belief that anything you dream is possible with the right team and crew.” We are also grateful for the sponsorship of Ryan Debin and his local businesses, including My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, Launch Entertainment Park, and Wimbledon Tennis & Pickleball Club. Ryan Debin is a top sponsor of “Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical” and has been a supporter of Dover-Sherborn Performing Arts for many years.
“Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical” is Dover-Sherborn Middle School's 10th musical production with the current team of Claire Mackay as Director, Geoff Herrmann as Music Director, and Ardys Flavelle as Orchestra Director. Jenifer Sunday joined as Technical Director last year. Over 100 students from the Dover-Sherborn Middle and High school will be part of the production. The dedicated thespians have practiced three afternoons a week since the start of the school year, and work on the set takes place on two additional days.
Fly over to Mudge Auditorium and get ready to be swept away in a magical journey as the DS Middle School students take flight in “Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical”. Show dates are Thursday December 7th at 6:30pm, Friday December 8th at 7:00pm, a Saturday matinee on December 9th at 1:00pm, and an evening performance at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketstage.com or at the door.
