North Bay Repertory Presents First Community Theatre Production of Mary Poppins, 3/13-28

On Friday, March 13, San Rafael-based North Bay Repertory theatre company will begin its series of 10 performance of "Mary Poppins" at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street in downtown San Rafael. The show continues through March 28, with Gala evening as well as matinee performances. Schedule and ticketing info for this Broadway-based musical, directed by Marin County director and actress Sharon Boucher, are available at marypoppins.brownpapertickets.com or by calling the Community Center at (415) 485-3333. Proceeds go towards supporting the community theatre program.

With a combined cast of over 60 adult and children actors, Mary Poppins brings the audience back to turn-of-the-century London's streets and rooftops, following the story of the magical nanny and her charges, Jane and Michael Banks and their family members. "The story's underlying message of family values arises throughout the performance," begins City of San Rafael's Rochelle Grechman-Dibley, who administers overall community programming. "It's such a right fit with the roster of things we offer to the community, and is a great opportunity for families to together create and appreciate the arts" she concludes. The show is brought to life through familiar songs coached by Boucher and music director Daniel Savio; and is peppered with dance and movement choreographed by Todd Ghanizadeh. Formerly of the Boston Ballet and American Ballet Company, Ghanizadeh, whose children appear in this production of Mary Poppins, also co-stars as the story's beloved chimney sweep, Bert.

North Bay Repetory, a part of the year-round theatre program offered by San Rafael Community Services, performs one annual show in which youth and adults come together for a family musical experience. Auditions are held each September, and weekly rehearsals commence in October. The shows typically run 10 times each spring, with alternating casts, welcoming actors of all ages and ability levels.

For more information, please reach San Rafael Community Services at (415) 454-8333, marypoppins.brownpapertickets.com.