Photo Flash: First Look at Beck Center's MARY POPPINS, Beginning Tonight

Beck Center for the Arts presents Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, December 5, 2014 through January 4, 2015 on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Please note early curtain times. A special performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 18. Two performances (2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) will be held on Saturdays, December 13, 27 and January 3. A matinee-only will be held on Saturday, December 20. Tickets are on sale now.

Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier Awards and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Filled with timeless songs such as "Feed the Birds", "Jolly Holiday", "Step in Time" and the Academy Award-winning "Chim-Chim Cher-ee", Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers.

Audiences are introduced to the troubled Banks family, where young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Mary Poppins takes the children on magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. "This timeless classic makes us all nostalgic for childhood, but goes deeper than you might expect," said Director Scott Plate. Using a combination of magic and common sense, even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "anything can happen if you let it."

Under the musical direction of Larry Goodpaster and choreographed by Martín Céspedes, the cast of 26 features Rebecca Pitcher as Mary Poppins with Curt Arnold and Katherine DeBoer as Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Rebecca Pitcher, a Northeast Ohio native, is best known for her role as Christine Daaé in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera and recently appeared in Beck Center's critically-acclaimed production ofShe Loves Me. Pitcher and DeBoer appear courtesy of the Actors' Equity Association.

This production of Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTIShows.com) and is sponsored by First Federal Lakewood, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Photos by Kathy Sandham