Northern Stage to Present MARY POPPINS Largest Production in Its History

Northern Stage to Produce Largest Show in Its History, Mary Poppins, for the Holidays in the New Barrette Center for the Arts

Mary Poppins by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, and Julian Fellowes, co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, runs live on stage at the new Barrette Center for the Arts in White River Junction, VT, November 18 - January 3. For tickets and information, call 802-296-7000 or visit www.northernstage.org. Tickets start at $15 for students and $30 for adults.

This popular Disney Classic is familiar to many and revolves around the adventures that begin when a nanny magically appears in the Banks's household. For the first time in Northern Stage's history, flying effects will be incorporated into the production. The new Barrette Center for the Arts has the technical capabilities to allow ZFX, Inc., an outside company that specializes in flying effects, to join Northern Stage's production team for this musical. Northern Stage's Mary Poppins is re-imagined by director Chad Larabee for the stage. He says of the work, "We would like our audiences to feel that they are transported to London as the story unfolds throughout the theater. Northern Stage's beautiful Byrne Theater allows the audience to be enveloped in this enchanted world. I grew up watching the movie as a child, and I was always struck by the fact that magic and beauty is all around us, we just have to look for it. Mary's true magic is to help the Banks family appreciate the beauty of each other and the world around them. Everyone comes to Mary Poppins with memories of the first time they saw the movie or read the book, and for most those memories are tied to parents or siblings. I hope that audiences bring those memories with them into the theater so we can expand on what they know and love. Mary Poppins is the perfect family show that will transport adults to their childhood and spark lifetime family memories for children as Mary Poppins flies at Northern Stage."

This production stars Northern Stage alum Emily Kron in the title role. Emily made her debut at Northern Stage last season as Little Red in Into the Woods and won Broadway World's award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal. Other recent credits include work at The Denver Center and Williamstown Theater Festival. Sean Bell plays her counterpoint Bert and joins Northern Stage for the first time following work in numerous theatrical productions in New York City and across the country. Susan Haefner makes her debut at Northern Stage as Mrs. Winnifred Banks, though she is a familiar face in the region and has been a long-time acting company member at the Weston Playhouse. Her Broadway credits include State Fair, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and 42nd Street. Northern Stage's Managing Director Eric Bunge, seen recently at Northern Stage in Clybourne Park and Twelve Angry Men, plays Mr. Banks. Area young actors Caroline Hamilton, Meredith Morhun, Ben Manning, and Will Stedina share the child roles of Jane and Michael Banks. Northern Stage favorite Dorothy Stanley, seen in Good People and Into the Woods at Northern Stage, plays the Bird Woman. With 17 Broadway shows, 4 National Tours, and over 100 regional productions under her belt, Ms. Stanley brings a wealth of experience to the rehearsal room. Kyle Brand, Tony Conaty, Gregory Dassonville, Diana DiMarzio (Broadway: Sweeney Todd and The Visit), Peter Hackett, Ellie Hackett, Stephen Humes, Henry Lang, Romaney Granizo Mackenzie, Chris McNiff, Kate Melodia, Lizzy Nichols, Neva Rae Powers (Broadway: King of Hearts, Peter Pan, Barnum, Can-Can), Angelica Richie, Jacob Tischler, and Taylor Wright round out the cast.

Coldwell Banker Redpath and Company Realtors, River Valley Club, and White Mountains Insurance sponsor this production. A companion event Athena Conversation led by Professor of Music at Dartmouth College Steve Swayne will be held in the Byrne Theater at the Barrette Center for the Arts on Sunday, November 22 from 12:30-1:30 PM. This conversation is free and open to the public.

Discounted tickets are available for preview performances November 18-20. $15 Anytime Student tickets are available for any performance, regular adult ticket prices range from $30-$65. Many afternoon matinees will be offered for this production to encourage families to attend the performance together. Mary Poppins is recommended for all ages, five and up. A complimentary post-show reception with the cast follows the opening night performance on Saturday, November 21.

Northern Stage is a regional non-profit professional theater company that seeks to change lives, one story at a time. Based in the Upper Valley of the Connecticut River, Northern Stage brings national and area talent together on an intimate stage in diverse classic, contemporary, and new plays and musicals. Northern Stage has offered over 100 productions in its 18-year history, and annual attendance is now over 25,000.