Featuring a cast and crew of nearly 50, Westfield Summer Stage is bringing the beloved Disney musical, “Mary Poppins,” to life. And playing the lead role is a rising senior at Robinson Secondary School.
In 1910 London, a woman becomes the nanny for a family in crisis, and she and the children have fun-filled adventures which teach them life lessons. And through the wonder of theater, the audience gets to go along for the ride.
“At the end of the show, the Banks family has learned to operate as a healthy family unit,” said Director Pat Mitchell. “And it’s because of Mary Poppins – she’s the catalyst.”
There’s a live, student orchestra, plus a crew of all Westfield alumni. “I was in Westfield’s first graduating class in 2002, so it’s a nice homecoming to be back here again,” said Mitchell. “And I can’t say enough about the parents – including alumni parents – who’ve put in their time to build and paint the set and create the costumes. It shows how much community is in this place.”
The sets depict the Banks’ house and nursery, a park and the bank where Mr. Banks works. And, said Mitchell, “As the show goes on, the scenes get more magical, culminating in a show-stopping, rooftop, tap-dance number, ‘Step in Time.’”
The cast comprises middle- and high-school students, plus new grads, and Mitchell’s also “proud of their hard work. They show up with a positive attitude every day and are always excited to be here.” As for the show, he said, “It’ll make every adult feel that fondness of being a child again. These classic songs will get stuck in their heads, and I guarantee they’ll be whistling, humming and singing them for weeks to come.”
Robinson’s Madyson Hanton is portraying the title role of Mary Poppins. “She’s a magical nanny who cares about the Banks family,” said Hanton. “She’s prim and proper and doesn’t take any backtalk from the children. She’s sassy and is practically perfect, and she changes the family’s life drastically – for the better.”
Calling it her “dream role,” Hanton said, “I love the movie and it’s written for a soprano like I am. She has so much depth and I get to have fun showing her different sides – caring, wacky, fun and energetic – and I also show that she’s not just a nanny, but a woman, too.”
Hanton’s favorite song is “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” which she sings to the Banks children. “The whole cast is in it,” she said. “You have to put a lot of work into that song, so I’m happy to be a part of it and see it all come together.”
Hanton said the audience will enjoy the show because “it’s a spectacle. The set is so intricate, while being gigantic, and the costumes are colorful and also help with characterization. The choreography is something you’d expect from a Broadway musical, and every song has five-part harmony. And it’s great for all ages; people will definitely leave smiling.”
Showtimes are Friday-Saturday, July 17-18, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m.; Friday, July 24, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, July 25, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., at Westfield High. Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 in advance via www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com; seats are reserved.