BWW Exclusive: MARY POPPINS Cast Memories- Chris Shin

As the Broadway production of Mary Poppins comes to a close, we asked current and original principle cast members, as well as current cast members who have been with the show since day one, to share with us some memories and tell us what being a part of the magic has meant to them. Karl Kenzler, who is a current ensemble member shared:

My favorite memory would have to be getting to perform for my parents. They immigrated to the states from South Korea in the 70's for the American Dream. I knew when I told them I wanted to perform, they weren't happy. While they've seen me in many different shows over the years, I knew that getting to finally perform for them on Broadway something they probably didn't ever think would happen. I am so happy to have gotten to share a dream of mine with them, after all the sacrifices they made for me.

Getting to make my Broadway debut in a show as huge as Poppins has been incredible. Every show when the backdrop goes up to reveal the Chimney Sweeps in Step in Time, I always look at the mezzanine and balcony. I remind myself of when I was a kid and would take the bus into the city to catch a matinee. I was always in the back watching with complete awe at what was happening on stage. If my 12 year old self knew that his Broadway dream would come true.... well, I guess it would be the same way I reacted when I found out. A lot of screaming and jumping!

Mary Poppins will conclude Broadway run at The New Amsterdam Theatre Sunday, March 3, 2013 after 2619 performances and more than six years. With attendance totaling nearly four million guests, the show has been seen by more people in the last six years than any Broadway show except Wicked and The Lion King. Mary Poppins opened on Broadway in 2006, just two years after debuting in London's West End, where it had received nine Olivier Award nominations and won Olivier, Evening Standard and WhatsOnStage Awards. The Broadway production received 25 major theatrical award nominations, winning Tony and Drama Desk Awards.

Mary Poppins will rank as the 22nd longest-running show in Broadway history by the time its run is complete, ranking between Best Musical winners Hairspray and Avenue Q on the list of long runs. For tickets, visit: http://www.marypoppins.com/tickets

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