A Spoonful of “Mary Poppins” Goes Down at the CTC Nov. 22-Dec. 22

Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage as MARY POPPINS, a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure, opens Friday, November 22, at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and runs through Sunday, December 22.

 

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way as a seven-time Tony Award-nominated musical for the stage. Based on the children’s books by P.L. Travers and the classic Disney film of 1964, Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS delighted audiences on Broadway for more than 2,500 performances and brings things both new and familiar to this theatrical production.

 

The stage show features many of the original songs made famous by the Oscar-winning duo of Richard and Robert Sherman (“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” among them), with additional music and lyrics from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and a book by “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes.

 

Under the direction of Scott Dunlap, with musical direction by Michael Huseman and choreography by Lindsay Fussell, MARY POPPINS is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft. And yes, if you’re wondering, the Theatre Centre’s Mary Poppins is going to fly!

 

As the story opens, Bert, a jack-of-all trades, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. With patience, kindness, and a little bit of magic, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures and teaches them—and the grown-ups in their lives—that “anything can happen if you let it.”

 

CTC veteran Joanna Lewis, seen most recently in last season’s AVENUE Q, will appear in the title role. Alex Loyd and Christiana Russell share the role of young Jane Banks, and Charlie Clevenger and Layton Williams likewise appear in alternating performances as her brother, Michael.

 

Taylor Williams steps into the shoes of the good-natured Bert, and James Gienapp and Greer Caldwell appear as the upper-crust George and Winifred Banks.

 

Featured in adult roles are Anne Barbieri, Landon Carpenter, John Echols, Brendon Ferguson, Morgan Giannotti, Dawn Hendrix, Rebecca Henson, Vivian Long, Jennifer Major, Austin Massey, Beth McClary-Wolford, Keenan Pasqua, Lauren Rayhab, Jason Russell, Joshua Shoop, Donel Solomon, Ian Taylor, Sierra Ventura, and Jennifer Arbogast Wilson.

 

The youth ensemble includes Bree Brantley, Alex Champion, James Derrick, Kiera Geren, Landon Greene, William Hall, Cole Hayes, Tytus Hayes, Lauren Hays, Claire James, Emily James, Ephraim James, Will James, Wyatt Jones, Olivia Kelly, Tessa Kelly, Paul Knotts, Hayley Lewis, Annabelle Major, Carter McKissick, Brenden Mullins, Acadia Phillips, Lennon Shuff, Cora Grace Williams, Addison Young, and Kaitlyn Young.

 

Angie Griffin is the stage manager, and Alyssa Robinson is the assistant stage manager.

 

Performances are November 22-23 at 8 p.m., November 23-24 at 2:30 p.m., December 5 at 7 p.m., December 6-7 at 8 p.m., December 7-8 at 2:30 p.m., December 12 at 7 p.m., December 13-14 at 8 p.m., December 14-15 at 2:30 p.m., December 19 at 7 p.m., December 20-21 at 8 p.m., and December 21-22 at 2:30 p.m. Live captioning for those with hearing loss will be featured in the December 5 performance.

 

For tickets, call the CTC box office at 423-267-8534 or visit TheatreCentre.com.

 

Posted November 4, 2019