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Mary Poppins and the Banks children meet Mrs. Corry, owner of the “talking” shop.
For 31 continuous years, Cathyann Roding and Toni Cartisano have co-directed musicals at Branford High School. This year they are producing the popular “Mary Poppins,” a story of the Banks family living in a big house in London in 1912; they have two children who are a little rambunctious and need a new nanny to control them.
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The play runs from tonight, Wednesday, March 16, through Sunday, March 20, at the high school. Show times for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19, at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens. Call 203 – 315-7998, ext. 2500, for reservations.
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The part of Mary Poppins is played by Marissa Smoker.
When a mysterious woman named Mary Poppins appears at their house, the parents are very pleased, but find her style to be peculiar. Mary Poppins is played by Marissa Smoker.
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Mary Poppins takes the out-of-control children on many magical adventures that have a profound effect on them. The children, Jane and Michael, are played by Maddie McGann and Michael Hoadley.
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Valentine, the doll, played by Kiersten Bjork, comes alive for Mary Poppins
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Miss Andrew, the Bird woman, is played by Cara Delucia.
“We think people are going to like it,” said Cartisano. “Everyone knows the music and will be tapping their feet to songs like ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and ‘A Spoonful of Sugar,’ two well-known songs that have been around for many years.”
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Giving the sign for their 31st year are co-directors Toni Cartisano (L) and Cathyann Roding.
In addition to the music, there are colorful costumes and outstanding set designs. Cast and crew are to be commended for what is another high-quality Performing Arts production.
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Jack Nelson plays the role of Bert, who tells the story as the play evolves.
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Miss Lark is played by Ashley Roding and Admiral Boom by Chris Altavita.
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The parents, George and Winnifred Banks, who are seeking to hire a nanny for their hard-to-control children, are played by Andrew Salerno and Lilly Kirby.
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Mrs. Brill, the maid, was played by Kim Klarman and Robertson Ay, the error-prone houseboy played by Hunter Izzo.
Other members of the household include Mrs. Brill, the Irish maid, played by Kim Klarman, and the humorous houseboy, Robertson Ay, who is played by Hunter Izzo.
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