MARY POPPINS to Run 4/24-5/23 at Roxy Regional Theatre

Casting is now complete for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's musical MARY POPPINS, set to open on Friday, April 24. Directed and designed by Tom Thayer, with choreography by Philadelphia choreographer Jenn Rose, lighting design by Noel Rennerfeldt, flying effects by ZFX, costumes by Premiere Clothing and Debby Dowlen, hats by Blanche's Place, and sound sequencing by The MT Pit, the cast will feature local youth in the roles of Michael and Jane. Nate Miller and Kylan Ritchie will play one set of children, while Riley Jenkins and Virginia Richardson will double during the run of the show.

The sizable cast also includes Stephanie Hawkins starring as Mary Poppins, James Hansen as Bert, Brian Henry as Mr. George Banks, and Laura Whittenberger as Mrs. Winifred Banks. Linda Ellis Cunningham plays Mrs. Brill, while Ryan Bowie appears as Robertson Ay. John McDonald takes on the dual roles of Admiral Boom and the Bank Chairman, while Marge Lillard makes a cameo as the Bird Woman. Ben Darragh, Allison Ferebee, Stephanie Gray, Ryan Neal Green, Truman Jepson, Lauren Mund, Emily Rourke, Brittany Santos, Zak Schneider and Rebecca Sonia round out the cast, playing a multitude of characters in this enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft.

Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, this "practically perfect" musical delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Filled with timeless classics such as "Jolly Holiday," "Step in Time" and the Academy Award-winning "Chim-Chim Cher-ee," this show can only be described as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, MARY POPPINS features original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman and book by Julian Fellowes, with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Kicking off the first weekend of performances on Saturday, April 25, is a grand opening celebration featuring champagne and an interview with stage legend Marge Lillard, immediately following the 8:00pm performance of MARY POPPINS. Tickets are $40.

On Saturday, May 2 and 16, patrons are invited to attend a "High Tea with Mary" at 12:30pm, prior to that afternoon's performance. Activities include magical kite making, photos with Mary and Bert, and lunch at Edward's, followed by the 2:00pm matinee. Tickets are $40.

MARY POPPINS is made possible in part through the generous support of Dr. Mark Green and Legends Bank. Additional funding support has been provided by Joseph & Nancye Britton, Dr. Ernest & Joan DeWald, Donna Ely, Dr. David & Janet Haase, James & Christa Holleman, Judy & Fred Landiss, Walter & Cindy Marczak, Katy & Aaron Olita, Starlene Sykes, and Bill & Anne Wall.

MARY POPPINS runs April 24 through May 23, playing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, with 2:00pm matinees on Saturday, May 2 and 16. Tickets are $25 (adults) and $15 (ages 13 and under) and may be purchased online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain).

Friday, April 24, is the theatre's traditional pay-what-you-can preview; all tickets not pre-sold at the regular ticket price will go on sale at 7:30pm that evening for whatever price patrons wish to pay. Active-duty military, APSU students and CitySaver coupon holders can receive two tickets for the price of one to Wednesday and Thursday performances.

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