Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical, marks the opening of Newtown Arts Company’s 2015 Main Stage season and will run from April 7 through 13 at the historic Newtown Theatre.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, this iconic tale of the Banks family’s search for a proper Nanny finds Mary Poppins, played by Kristen VonWachenfeldt (Lawrenceville, N.J.), arriving just in time to care for the mischievous children, Jane (Olivia Frankenbach of Lambertville, N.J.) and Michael (Jared Preston of Langhorne).
Mary Poppins tries to help the Banks parents, George (DJ Holcombe of Yardley) and Winifred (Sarah Cohn of Yardley), realize the importance of family ties. Assisted by Bert (Justin Derry of Langhorne), Mary leads the children on fantasy outings to the park for a “Jolly Holiday” and a colorful trip to the Talking Shop where they discover everything “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The plot thickens when Mary realizes it will take more than just her magic to teach the children good manners. Mrs. Banks engages George’s old nanny, the stern Miss Andrew (Susan Rheingans of Fairless Hills) who brings her own brand of “Brimstone and Treacle” to the job.
A show packed with favorite music, lots of dancing and some comical acting, MARY POPPINS’ original music and lyrics are by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Book is by Julian Fellowes. New songs and additional music and lyrics are by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Director James McCrane of Newtown brings a wealth of experience as an actor and director to this production of MARY POPPINS. McCrane recently directed “The Miracle Worker” for Newtown Arts Company.
Music Director Susan den Outer of Langhorne and Choreographer Kristin Devine of Washington Crossing and New York City round out the directorial staff. The show is produced by Nancy Pickering and Bonnie Dettra of Newtown.
Costumes are by Jane Landes of Newtown and Stage Managers are Bobby Reiser of Langhorne and Jackie Tamburrino of Newtown.
Performances of MARY POPPINS are one week only, April 7 through 13 (no show Monday, April 11), at Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA 18940: Thursday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
Tickets for Reserved Front Orchestra and Front Row Balcony seats are $24; Reserved Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats are $21. Extended legroom seating is available in Row I for an additional accommodation fee. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $2 discount.
Tickets are available by credit card by phone at 800-838-3006 or online at www.newtownartscompany.com (service fee applies). Tickets are also available at the Newtown Theatre Box Office beginning one hour before curtain on performance dates. For reservations or information call 215-860-7058 or email tickets@newtownarts company.com.
Newtown Arts Company, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, has awarded over $120,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education in the arts since it was formed in 1983.
MARY POPPINS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4694 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
Theater/Organization Newtown Arts Company
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.newtownartscompany.com
Theater/Organization Address: 120 N. State Street Newtown, Oregon 18940 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 860-7058
