MARY POPPINS Flies Onstage at Nashville's Christ Presbyterian Academy

Next week, theater students at Nashville's Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) will hit the stage in one of childhood's most beloved stories, penned by P.L. Travers and adapted for the stage: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins. This musical tale features a family in disrepair; a family in need of rescue that comes in an astonishing form.

"It is about the stunning wonder that catches us by surprise and comes into our lives to delight us, to mend the brokenness, and to open a door to a hopeful future," says artistic director Paula Y. Flautt.

Performed for only the second time on a Tennessee high school stage, the production includes songs, dancing, and of course, flying. Cast members have worked hard to honor the famous spirit of Mary Poppins which has long resonated with audience members of all ages.

CPA senior Holly Hill stars in the show's iconic title role.

"Having grown up with the Mary Poppins movie, I have been eagerly awaiting its release to schools for production, since seeing the musical on Broadway. Much truer to the book than the movie, I am entranced by the power of the piece," says Flautt.

"This family goes through a huge paradigm shift as they undergo the transformation that Mary Poppins brings about. You see each character grow into a greater capacity for relationship with their family members," says senior Lucas Eytchison, cast in the role of Robertson Ay.

Directing this show with a high school cast and crew has come with unique challenges, Flautt admits. Rather than copying set designs, the production has been reimagined with a vintage style stage designed by alumnus Matt Logan, artistic director of Studio Tenn, the professional theater in residence at The Factory of Franklin.

Students also have been working with renowned Flying by Foy to incorporate Aerographics® services into the production. Three actors will perform while airborne during the performance.

"We wanted to do this show at CPA with our student performers because it has unique characters and depth of story; and great music and challenging dance. It has given us new territory to train them as artists, and thinkers." says Flautt.

The production has been an adventure for cast and crew, and promises to be one of the most exciting productions CPA theater audiences have ever seen. "And one that proves, to quote P. L. Travers, 'Anything can happen if you let it!'" according to Flautt.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and will be on sale in the Fine Arts Office this week and next week, and will be available at the door. Performances are Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. All performances will be in the Event Center on CPA's campus at 2323 Old Hickory Boulevard, Nashville.

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