Photo Flash: SSMT's 'Practically Perfect' MARY POPPINS Flies Into Final Week

Tickets are flying out the door for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre's (SSMT) practically perfect musical Mary Poppins, which opened to sold-out audiences and standing ovations last week and continues its run for eight more performances through August 3. Scroll down for new photos from the production!

Mary Poppins features music and lyrics by the Academy Award winning Sherman Brothers (with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe) and a book by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes. The musical received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, winning for Best Scenic Design.

In addition to the beautiful songs, lively choreography, and a certain practically perfect flying nanny, audiences attending SSMT's regional premiere of Mary Poppins should expect magic and some heart-warming life lessons relevant to today's families.

SSMT Managing Director Sue Robinson said, "What a way to end our 2014 season! Mary Poppins is practically perfect in every way. The SSMT artistic staff -- Director Carolyn Coulson; Music Director Thomas Albert; Choreographer and Assistant Director Edward Carignan; Scenic Designer William Pierson; Lighting Designer Wm. McConnell Bozman; and Costume Designer Jennifer Flitton Adams -- the technical staff, actors, and musicians have all given their absolute best, and it shows in every beat of the show. And then there are the happy faces of children and adults alike as they leave a performance. That's what we all work for -- the smiles, the fun, and the memories of a live musical theatre experience. Only practically perfect? Wish everyone could experience it."

The Mary Poppins cast includes Catharine Kay (Mary Poppins), Patrick Clealand Rosé (Bert), Jack Rowles (George Banks), Tara Michelle Gesling (Winifred Banks), Ella Schnoor (Jane Banks), Tyson Francis (Michael Banks), Leslie Joelle (Katie Nanna/Queen Victoria), Zac Ostrowski (Policeman), Claire Wittman (Miss Lark), Nick Nerangis (Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman), Whitney Warrenfeltz (Mrs. Brill), R.C. Hiers (Robertson Ay), Taylor Bloom (Park Keeper), Kacey Willis (Neleus), Lindy Hockaday (Miss Smythe), Philip Skinner (Von Hussler), Seth Walker (Northbrook), Lara Treacy (Bird Woman), Kelsee Sweigard (Mrs. Corry), Robin Chinn (Fannie), Mara Lucas (Annie/Rag Doll), Bryce Wagner (Valentine/Poseidon), Cassandra Hlong (Mr. Punch), Courtney Hostetler (Teddy Bear), Cassidy Watkinson (Ballerina Doll), Meg Stefanowicz (Miss Andrew), and Cressler Peele (Messenger).

The Mary Poppins ensemble consists of Taylor Bloom, Sam Bostic, Margaret Butler, Robin Chinn, Cassandra Hlong, Lindy Hockaday, Courtney Hostetler, Leslie Joelle, Mara Lucas, Rafael Martinez-Salgado, Zac Ostrowski, Cressler Peele, Daniel Pippert, Christopher Prasse, Philip Skinner, Meg Stefanowicz, Kelsee Sweigard, Lara Treacy, Bryce Wagner, Seth Walker, Kacey Willis, and Claire Wittman.

Mary Poppins runs through August 3, 2014 at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, performing at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601. For tickets to Mary Poppins, call the box office at 540-665-4569 or 877-580-8025.

Photo Credit: Alan Lehman

To post a comment, you must register and login.