Summer Naomi Smart Leads Marriott Theatre's MARY POPPINS, Beg. Tonight

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrives on stage tonight, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS will be directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler.

Based on P.L. Travers' cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS features a magical score including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Feed the Birds," and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" by the Academy Award-winners Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production was created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes (book), and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (new songs and additional music and lyrics).

Starring as the "practically perfect" nanny in the Marriott Theatre production of MARY POPPINS will be multi Jeff award-winner Summer Naomi Smart (National tour of Wicked; Jeff Award-winner for The Light in the Piazza at Marriott Theatre and Sweet Charity at Drury Lane Oakbrook). The cast also features Bernie Yvon as "Bert" (Broadway and National tours of Ragtim; The Music Man, Hairspray, Joseph..., Beauty and the Beast at the Marriott Theatre); Rod Thomas as "George Banks," Susan Moniz as "Winifred Banks," Johnny Rabe and Brady Tutton sharing the role of "Michael Banks," and Caroline Heffernan and Madison Gloria Olszewski sharing the role of "Jane Banks". The cast also includes Paula Scrofano, John Reeger, Matthew Crowle, Rebecca Finnegan, Johanna Mckenzie Miller, William Carlos Angulo, Lauren Blane, Jaclyn Burch, Jameson Cooper, Devin DeSantis, Raymond Interior, Ericka Mac, Adam Rogers, Sam Rogers, Amanda Tanguay, Brandi Wooten and Melissa Zaremba.

The MARY POPPINS production team is led by the Marriott Theatre's lead artistic director Andy Hite. The design team includes Set Designer Tom Ryan, Projection Designer Mike Tutaj, Costume Designer Nancy Missimi, Lighting Designer Diane Ferry Williams, Sound Designer Bob Gilmartin and Properties Designer Sally Weiss. The Marriott Theatre orchestra is conducted by musical supervisor Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. From December 26-January 5 there will be a special family-friendly Holiday schedule. Ticket prices range from $40 to $48, excluding tax and handling fees. Students 17 and under and senior citizen 62 and older receive $5.00 off a full price theatre ticket for Wednesday Matinee, Saturday Matinee, Sunday Matinee and Sunday Afternoon performances. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings a limited number of Dinner and Theatre tickets are available for only $55.00 per person. For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening dinner reservations in The King's Wharf or Fairfield Inn, please call 847-634-0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.