MILTON – The Milton High School Drama Club is bringing the beloved Disney classic, ‘Mary Poppins’ to the stage. The show, which combines elements of the novels by P.L Travers and the 1964 film features more than 50 students.
Tara Wands and Ellen McCormick share the title role of Mary. Wands said the double casting was unexpected, but McCormick said it made each of their performances stronger, “It’s definitely been a good experience in the fact that we’ve become closer and stronger in both of the characters.”
Sets for Mary Poppins are the most ambitious undertaken during director Russ Wynn’s tenure. They include a two-story house and five separate backdrops. And it wouldn’t be Mary Poppins if there wasn’t flying. Wands and McCormick say it’s a fun, but challenging part of the role. “It never gets old, really. It’s fun,” says Wands. McCormick added, “It really is [fun]. You’d think that it’d be the same going up every time, but with the timing and having to keep your poise it’s always different.”
The show hits the stage for two weekends starting Saturday April 18. Tickets are $8 in advance and can be purchased online at miltonstage.com. You can see get a sneak peek from this weekend’s rehearsals online at wkok.com. (Jennifer Wakeman)