BWW Exclusive: MARY POPPINS Cast Memories- Rebecca Luker

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. Rebecca Luker, who was the original 'Winifred Banks,' shared:

My favorite memory would have to be bonding with my stepsons, Alex and Zach. They were too young to be at home alone and the producers generously allowed them to be with me at "Mary Poppins". They're still friends with the original kids from Poppins who are all approaching 20, if you can believe it!

I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of the "Poppins" company. I made life-long friendships in the show (Dan Jenkins, Ann Arvia, Ruth Gottschall, Mark Price and so many more). And I got to work with the best dresser in the universe, Russell Easley (a dear friend since 1988), not to mention the best props man in the universe, Victor Amerling (who would tell me dirty jokes and indulge my political side by yelling with me about the Republicans, for 3 1/2 years, whenever I wanted to). The folks on stage, backstage, in the pit, and at front of house were all really wonderful and good at their jobs. What a great opportunity. Oh, and of course, there was my role. Winnie's a great gal. I aspire to be more like Winifred Banks.

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