MARY POPPINS in Holland Earns 15 Noms From 2010 John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards

The Dutch production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's smash hit musical MARY POPPINS earned a record-breaking 15 nominations for the 2010 John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards, Holland's highest theatrical honor, recognizing newcomer Noortje Herlaar who stars as Mary, William Spaaij, who stars as Bert and the entire creative team. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, June 7th and is broadcast on national television in Holland beginning at 8:30PM (GMT).

The full list of award nominations for MARY POPPINS follows:
· Best Newcomer: Noortje Herlaar (Mary Poppins)

· Best male actor (lead): William Spaaij (Bert)

· Best male actor (featured): Hugo Haenen (George Banks)

· Best female actress (featured): Maike Boerdam (Winifred Banks)

· Best female actress (featured): Marjolijn Touw (Miss Andrew)

· Best direction: Richard Eyre & James Powell

· Best choreography: Matthew Bourne & Stephen Mear

· Best set design: Bob Crowley

· Best costumes/wigs/make-up design: Bob Crowley

· Best lighting design: Howard Harrison

· Best sound design: Paul Groothuis

· Best book: Julian Fellowes

· Best lyrics: George Stiles & Anthony Drewe

· Best musical arrangements: Richard M. Sherman, Robert D. Sherman, George Stiles & Anthony Drewe

· Best translation: Martine Bijl

MARY POPPINS opened in Holland on April 11 at the Circus Theatre, earning unanimous critical praise from the country's top theatrical critics. This marks the fifth major production of the title since the show opened in London in 2004. In July, a sixth production opens in Melbourne, Australia.

For the Dutch production, a nationwide search through the hit television show "Who Wants to be Mary Poppins?" found the talented Noortje Herlaar, who plays the iconic title role. MARY POPPINS is produced by Joop van den Ende Theatreproductions/Stage Entertainment, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's producing partner in Holland.

MARY POPPINS is sweeping the globe as one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide to date, MARY POPPINS has grossed over $400 million and has welcomed over 5.3 million guests. Additionally, during 2010 MARY POPPINS opens in Sweden, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Hungary, with plans already underway for future productions in Israel, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Korea, Canada and Japan. Following a successful three-year run in 2008 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End, a U.K. tour of MARY POPPINS commenced in summer 2008 and concluded its acclaimed run in Cardiff, Wales in April 2009.