MARY POPPINS Arrives at Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Tonight

With all the roles now cast, excitement is mounting and tickets are quickly being snapped up for the Drayton Entertainment production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, the inaugural production at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge.

"The calibre of talent on stage for this production is going to be unparalleled," says Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. "Our all-star team includes a mix of seasoned Broadway performers and up-and-coming talent, as well as some perennial audience favourites who have appeared in productions at various Drayton Entertainment theatres."

Further to the announcements made earlier of Jayme Armstrong as beloved nanny Mary Poppins, and Mark Ledbetter as Bert the chimney sweep, Mustakas also announced the complete cast of 24 performers.

James Kall, who brought emotional gravitas to Drayton Entertainment's production of Sleuth, tackles the role of Mr. Banks. Fresh off an acclaimed performance as the dreadful Miss Hannigan in Annie at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, Jackie Mustakas assumes the role of Mrs. Banks.

In the roles of the Banks' children, four precocious youngsters will rotate performances during the eight-week run. Avery Kadish and Hadley Mustakas will share the role of Jane Banks. Trek Buccino and Jayden Greig will share the role of Michael Banks.

This production also features a number of Drayton Entertainment veterans including Keith Savage, star of countless Drayton Entertainment productions such as Annie, Harvey, Twelve Angry Men, How The Other Half Loves, Country Legends, is cast as the Park Keeper.

He is joined by Karen K. Edissi, who has appeared on the Drayton stage for the past 20 years, as Miss Lark, a prim and posh neighbour of the Banks family.

Rebecca Poff, who wowed audiences as Mother Superior in The Sound of Music at the Drayton Festival Theatre last season with her vocal prowess, is the mysterious Mrs. Corry who runs the "Talking Shop."

Another audience favourite, Karen Wood is the Bank's headstrong cook, Mrs. Brill. A comic delight, Wood has a knack for stealing the scene, as she often did last season as the Bride's over-emotional Mother in Perfect Wedding at the Drayton Festival Theatre.

TEd Simonett, who received glowing reviews for his tour de force performance as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, takes on the role of the Banks' friendly neighbour and naval officer, Admiral Boom.

Jayne Lewis is Mr. Bank's childhood nanny, the stern Miss Andrew. Lewis was last seen on stage in the fall as the treasured secretary of Mr. Warbucks in Annie.

Gregory Pember is the odd-job man for the Banks family, Robinson Ay. Ryan Gifford, Sarah Harries, Jessica Horn, Chad McFadden, Sarah Matton, Jason Sermonia, Patrick Stiles, Jen Taylor, and Arthur Wright round out an impressive ensemble cast.

Early Box Office sales are impressive, with more than 12,000 tickets already sold for this musical extravaganza since becoming available to the public January 2nd.

Mary Poppins enjoys an eight-week engagement from tonight, March 6th through April 28th. The production is proudly sponsored by Monarch Corporation. The Orchestra Sponsor is Steward Group. Media Sponsors are 96.7 CHYM FM and The Waterloo Region Record. Design Sponsors are Uniglobe Donaldson Travel and 5D Computer Systems & Supplies.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, by phone at (519) 621-8000 or toll free 1-855-372-9866, or in person at the Box Office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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