Sherri Shepherd of 'The View' Flies with 'Mary Poppins' Dec.18

Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC's "The View," flies high above the glorious orchestra of Disney's New Amsterdam Theater, the current home of Mary Poppins, for a segment scheduled to air on "The View" on Tuesday, December 18 (11AM-12noon) on the ABC Television Network.

"Shepherd is on a quest to uncover some Broadway magic and enlists the help of Disney Theatrical Group President Thomas Schumacher, a producer of Mary Poppins and the author of the recently released book, How Does The Show Go On? An Introduction To The Theater. Schumacher takes Shepherd on a tour that features some of the astonishing things that happen when No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane comes to life for audiences each night. Together they roam backstage to see the props, stage rigging, wardrobe and hair and makeup rooms. There's also a special magic demonstration from current Mary Poppins, Ashley Brown, and Tony Award nominee Gavin Lee (Bert) is also featured," explain press notes.

Shepherd dons the outfit, wig and makeup of the world's most famous nanny, sings one of the hit songs and is hoisted high above the theater to recreate the production's show-stopping finale, illustrating just a few of the theatrical elements explained in How Does The Show Go On?.

Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Thomas Schumacher (The Lion King, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid, among others) gives young people a rare backstage pass to the theater with the publication of his first book, How Does The Show Go On? An Introduction To The Theater, released in November 2007 by Disney Publishing Worldwide and is currently in stores.

The 125-page hardcover book, written with Jeff Kurtti, gives readers the opportunity to meet the casts of characters who work onstage and behind the scenes to deliver unforgettable performances and explore the inner wokings of the theater building itself. Filled with artifacts you can pull out and hold in your hand, How Does The Show Go On? is a totally unique guide to what goes on behind the curtain. From informative descriptions of the playwright, choreographer, stage manager and fight director to explanations about the role of the set designer, composer, usher, director and leading lady, Mr. Schumacher has created an interactive and altogether indispensable introduction to the theater.  Visit www.howdoestheshowgoon.com

"The View" features Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It's the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues and share their no-holds-barred opinions and engage in colorful conversations. Since its launch, "The View" has received 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show. The show has received numerous nominations, including ten consecutive nominations for Outstanding Daytime Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host. Visit "The View" on the Web at ABC.com (keyword: theview). The program is broadcast in HDTV with 5.1-channel surround sound.

Photo credit: ABC/HEIDI GUTMAN - Thomas Schumacher, Ashley Brown and Sherri Shepherd on the set of Mary Poppins