The Firehouse Theatre Presents MARY POPPINS

"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun," says the nanny to her young charges, Jane and Michael Banks, just before introducing them to the genius idea that, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!" One adventure after another unfolds as Mary Poppins flies into the hearts of theatergoers in The Firehouse Theatre's final show of its 2015 season. With a renewed agreement further solidifying the partnership between the City of Farmers Branch and The Firehouse Theatre, as well as an expanding base of donors, patrons, actors, volunteers, and Board of Directors, this community theatre is flying as high as...well, you guessed it, a kite!

The Firehouse Theatre's production of Mary Poppins is directed by Derek Whitener with music direction by Rebecca Lowrey and choreography by Brandon Harvey. The cast will feature Kate Dressler as Mary Poppins, Michael Scott McNay as Bert, Dan Servetnick as George Banks, Elisa Danielle James as Winifred Banks, Lauren Scott as Jane Banks, Parker Niksich as Michael Banks, Caroline Rivera as Miss Andrew and Ashley Markgraf, Andrew Bedpost Friedrich, Paul Niles, Marilyn Setu, Kristal Seid, David Vaughn, Kwame Lilly, Christina Kudlicki Hoth, Logan Coley Broker ,Sarah Roberts, Jonathan Hardin rounding out the ensemble. Production team members include Jason Leyva (Technical Director), Scott Davis (Lighting Designer), Alex Krus (Set Designer) Victor Newman Brockwell (Costume Designer), Connie Hay (Properties) and Maggie Hunter (Stage Manager).

The show will officially open on Friday, November 6th at 7:30pm, followed immediately by a post-show reception. Performances will continue through November 22nd on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm. Purchase tickets online at www.thefirehousetheatre.com, via phone at 972-620-3747 or in person at the box office one hour before curtain. Adult tickets are $20, with senior and student discounts available and half-price tickets available on Saturdays at 2:30pm. Group (10+) discounts available by phone.

Thanks to the City of Farmers Branch, a new HVAC system was installed in September bringing much-needed air conditioning and heating to the former Fire Station #1 bay converted to theatre space. Temporary audience seating risers will be in place for Mary Poppins, making every seat "practically perfect", with permanent risers and a fire sprinkler system planned for a December installation. Additional forthcoming improvements include new restrooms on the west side of the city-owned building.

The creative team of Mary Poppins is digging into it's own seemingly bottomless bag of tricks to transform The Firehouse Theatre into No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane and invites the community to join in the following Saturday "elements of fun":

• "Brain and Body Workout" - kids ages 5 and up can spend the morning reading, dancing, and spelling "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" on Saturday, October 31st at 10:30 am with the cast of Mary Poppins at Manske Public Library in Farmers Branch. This event is free, but spots are limited so call the box office to reserve your spot today at 972-620-3747.

• "Halloween in the Park" - members of the Mary Poppins cast plan to pop-in on Saturday, October 31st around 6:30pm...tricks AND treats are guaranteed!

• "Tea With Mary" will be served before Saturday matinee performances November 14th and 21st at the Farmers Branch Historical Park's Dodson House. Patrons with special tickets should arrive at 12:30 pm to enjoy tea, dessert, crafts, and meet Mary Poppins in person for a quick bit of advice and a photograph. Tickets (include tea and 2:30 pm show) are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance through the box office. Spots are limited - reserve today!

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

The Firehouse Theatre's mission is to provide a cross section of the finest traditional theatrical works that are suitable and affordable for all ages. They also provide educational enrichment programs and create opportunities for adults and children to develop talents in all aspects of theatre arts.

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