The Yardley Players is proud to present the “Mary Poppins” musical on stage at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre in April and May over three weekends.
Dates and show times are Fridays, April 22 and 29 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, April 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, April 17, 24 and May 1 at 2 p.m. A daytime show for group audiences will take place Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m.
A reception with the cast and crew will follow the opening night show on Saturday, April 16. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, “Mary Poppins” is the story of a nanny who knows how to mix just the right amount of common sense, magic and a spoonful of sugar to help a family rediscover its joy. Along the way, Mary introduces the children to her fascinating collection of friends – delightful shopkeepers, Bert and his dancing chimney sweep pals, and an array of other colorful characters.
With a script by Julian Fellowes, and music and lyrics by the Academy Award-winning Sherman Brothers, the show’s beloved song list features such favorites as “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” “Step in Time,” “Jolly Holiday,” and the ever popular tongue twister “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The show stars Elizabeth Rzasa of Ewing as Mary Poppins, and Matthew Muccigrossi of Belle Mead as Bert. Starring as the Banks family are: George Hartpence of New Hope, as George Banks; Carol Thompson of New Hope, as Winifred Banks; Makenna Katz of West Windsor as Jane Banks; and Dylan Katz of West Windsor as Michael Banks.
Also featured are: Carolyn Anzuini of Bordentown as Mrs. Corry; Tammi Gilson of Levittown, as Miss Lark; Stephanie Harden-Giunta of Lawrenceville as Katie Nanna; Nicholas Kianka of Hamilton as Park Keeper; Marina McLaughlin of Columbus as Annie; Danny Mucha of Yardville as Robertson Ay; Ashley Patrick of Langhorne, as Mrs. Brill; Raymond Pental of Lawrenceville as Bank Chairman; Christina Pullen of New Egypt as Fannie; Ron SanGiovanni of Burlington as Von Hussler; Matthew Snyder of Levittown, as Neleus; Tristan Takacs of Hamilton as Northbrook; Teresa Welby of Hamilton as Bird
Woman; Michelle Whitescarver of East Windsor as Miss Andrew; Wayne Wood of Fairless Hills, as Admiral Boom; and Fady Zaher of Hamilton as Policeman.
The ensemble includes Gabriella Amiet of Pennington, Emma Behrens of East Windsor, Taylor Bell of Hightstown, Nicholas Benedetti of Ewing, Addison Blumberg of Yardley, MaryRose Brendel of Cranbury, Stacy Danka of Allentown, Quinten Darling of Morrisville, Pa., Carter Erickson of Yardley, Kimmy Graham of Yardley, Katie Greendorfer of Lambertville, Matthew Krauss of Yardley, Marissa Marciano of Plainsboro, Michael Marrero of Hamilton, Aidan McLendon of Bensalem, Fiona Misiura of Hightstown, Ann Thompson of Lawrenceville, Shan Williams II of Trenton, Erin Wurtz of Levittown, and Kaitlyn Young of Robbinsville.
The production team includes Producer Whitney Pullen, Director Amy Zalot, Musical Director Matt South, Choreographer Laura Murey Ghaffoor, Stage Manager Chris Szemis, Lighting Designer M. Kitty Getlik, Costume Designer Louisa Murey and Set Designer Jim Kenna.
Tickets are $20 for all. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children’s events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.
From left, Mary Poppins (Elizabeth Rzasa) teaches Jane (Makenna Katz) and Michael (Dylan Katz about acts of kindness from the Bird Woman (Teresa Welby). Photo by Rob Gougher Photography.,
