HPCT’s “Mary Poppins” Flies Into High Point Theatre Later This Month

Photo by Kevin Klaver Photography:
Katie Muhlenkamp stars as Mary in
HPCT’s upcoming production of
“Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical”.

      "Mary Poppins is set to fly over the rooftops of London and into High Point Theatre April 28-May 1! This family musical features the delightful songs from the cherished Disney film including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time.” Winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers.
     Mary Poppins is the practically perfect nanny who helps us learn to take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar, find the silver lining in every situation, and realize that sometimes we should just use the winds of change to go fly a kite. Mary brings order to the Banks household, takes Jane and Michael out on magical adventures.
     High Point Community Theatre (HPCT) president, Allison Seals, says that this production of Mary Poppins is the perfect way to close out HPCT’s successful 2015-16 season. “Ticket sales this season have exceeded our expectations,” said Seals. “Our Board of Directors set out to make our 40th season the best yet, and I think we have achieved that goal”.
      Mary Poppins is full of fantasy and magic, and yes, Mary will fly! There will be huge dance numbers along with talking statues and dancing toys throughout this musical adventure.
The score features your favorite Poppins tunes including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Jolly Holiday," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Step in Time," and "Chim Chiminey." As well as some wonderful new additions that were composed for specifically for the stage production like, “Practically Perfect” and “Anything Can Happen”
     The cast is made up of 50+ Triad area performers, with nearly a dozen creative and production team members.
     “The creative team is made up of very strong artists,” said director Justin Bulla. “Dr. Casey Crabtree on choreography, Dr. Garrett Saake music directing, and Justin Hall costuming. It's a very strong team and we are working together to make this production outstanding.”
      The eight children's books by P.L. Travers, published from 1934 to 1988, first introduced us to the magical nanny who floated into the lives of the Bank's family at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Mary Poppins' encounters with chimney sweeps and other characters were re-envisioned in the Walt Disney film in 1964 starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The stage version was first presented in London's West End in 2004, then on Broadway in 2006 where it ran until March 2013. 
     “This story can be told from so many viewpoints,” said Bulla. “Reading the books has helped shape a lot of the characterization, especially Mary.  There are a lot of things Mary does that are not really seen in the movie, but are in the book.  We are trying to incorporate those things from the book into the stage play.”
     Performances are April 28, 29 & 30 at 7:30 PM. There will be matinee performances April 30 & May 1 at 2:00. Join Mary and Bert for a special Tea Party April 30 at 12:30 PM. Performance tickets are $18-$22 and Tea tickets are $10. All tickets can be purchased at www.hpct.net or by calling the High Point Theatre Box Office at 336-887-3001.
      High Point Community Theatre is 501c3 non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. This is HPCT’s 40th year of bringing quality live theatre to High Point and the surrounding areas. Season tickets will go on sale later this month for HPCT’s 41st season – Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast."

- A Press Release