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. Original cast member James Hindman shared:
I have so many great memories...but have to say my favorite is the first time we saw Mary fly over the audience and heard their reaction. Truly magical! It amazes me how the thrill of watching that moment never goes away. Even when your brain knows how it's done, your heart flies right along with her and you become a child again. I think everyone in the audience felt the same way.
Not many of us are lucky enough to do a long running show. I, personally, had never done any show longer than 18 months before this job. To be part of a family - that's what the show has meant to me. We have THE BEST backstage crew and company management team, a committed and respectful creative team...and a cast that, for the most part, always got along! And when we didn't...we worked it out. Why? Because we are a family. And that's what families do. Just like The Banks family...Learn when to support others, when to stand up for yourself, and more importantly, when to let go. Those are huge life lessons and I will carry them with me forever! Thanks Mary Poppins.
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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