THE FRIDAY FIVE: MARY POPPINS' Clements and Willis

Things are sure to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious this weekend, as Mary Poppins - the practically perfect in every way nanny - flies over the housetops of London, lading in Woodbury at The Arts Center of Cannon County. Directed by Allison Hall, the award-winning musical runs for three weekends at ACCC, starring Alice Matlock Clements as Mary Poppins and Scott Willis as Bert, the nimble-footed chimney sweep.

Taking time off from Hell Week rehearsal and technical stuff, Clements and Willis answered our Friday Five questions, letting us get to know them better so that when you see them onstage during the show's run, it will be far more interesting. Read about the talented pair and then call the box office to reserve your seats for the show...

Alice Matlock Clements

What was your first official taste of "live, onstage" theater? My first onstage experience was a school musical called Freedom Bound, when I was in the sixth grade. It was enough to get me hooked, for sure.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? The only pre-show ritual I have is to spend some quiet time alone, taking a few deep breaths and saying a prayer for myself and the cast. It helps calm any nerves I may have, and center my thoughts where they need to be.

What's your most memorable "the show must go on..." experience? That would definitely be when I was playing Fantine in a production of Les Miserables. Shortly after the extremely fast "haircut" wig change, I was being dragged around onstage by Bamatabois, and my wig fell off! I quickly grabbed it and stuck it back on (backwards!) to finish the scene.

What's your dream role? Mary Poppins would definitely make my short list of dream roles, along with Anna from The King and I. Also, it has always been a fantasy of mine to be the voice of an animated Disney princess!

Who's your theatrical crush? I suppose my theater crush reveals that I'm pretty "old school". It would have to be Hugh Jackman. I just love him in everything, but especially as Curly in Oklahoma.

BONUS: Tell me something about yourself that would surprise most people. The only time I have ever lived outside of Murfreesboro, was when I was in graduate school in Cincinnati.

Scott Willis

What was your first official taste of "live, onstage" theater? My first taste of live onstage theatre was when I was seven as "CoCo the Clown" in Babes in Toyland. To this day, I still recall the one line I had - "Yea, Santa!" which was followed by a (pretty outstanding) cartwheel.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? I do not have a particular pre-show ritual but I find myself often times pacing back and forth like a mad man repeating my lines to myself. I guess I should see someone about that.

What's your most memorable "the show must go on..." experience? As Joseph, during "Who's the Thief" scene, I pulled the stolen cup (made of glass) out from the bag. As I am yelling "Benjamin, you nasty youth"...I slam the glass down on the set and it shatters in my hand. Half the audience gasped, half the audience laughed...I wanted to cry, but the show must go on.

What's your dream role? A dream role of mine is Javert in Les Miserables. I had the privilege of portraying one of my other dream roles last spring as Dr. Neville Craven in The Secret Garden.

Who's your theatrical crush? My theatrical crush is Audra McDonald - in anything! Her voice and character choices leave me speechless. I saw her in Porgy and Bess and she left me in tears the entire production.

BONUS: Tell me something about yourself that would surprise most people. Something about myself that would surprise most people would be that I can rap every word to Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." No shame here!

ABOUT THE SHOW: The practically perfect in every way Mary Poppins flies into the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury this weekend for a three week run. Directed by Allison Hall, with musical direction by Haley Ray and choreography by Regina Wilkerson-Ward, this family musical features the delightful songs from the popular Disney film including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidcious" and "Chim Chim Cheree."

Starring Alice Matlock Clements and Scott Willis, Mary Poppins is the winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers will dazzle and delight theatre goers of all ages. Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it! Performances run November 6-21. Call (615) 563-2287 for tickets.

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