Sandy Taylor and Justin Anthony Long to Star in MARY POPPINS at MPAC This Spring

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents its fourth annual spring production, MARY POPPINS, from June 3, 2016 to June 5, 2016.

Performances are June 3, 2016 at 7:30 pm, June 4, 2016 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and June 5, 2016 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 - $25.

MPAC Education Director Cathy Roy spearheads the production with musical direction by Kevin Lynch. The cast features the talents of over fifty-three young performers, ranging from ages 9 to 22. Previously, MPAC has produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013), Hairspray (2014) and Les Miserables (2015).

Starring as MARY POPPINS and Bert, respectively, are New Jersey-based actors Sandy Taylor and Justin Anthony Long.

Sandy Taylor has appeared in musical theatre productions in New York and regionally. Her previous works include Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Lucille in Parade, Little Edie in Grey Gardens, Susan in Company, and Martha in 1776. Ms. Taylor is the New York Regional Director for The Yuletide Carolers, professional a cappella caroling group and sings with the region's premiere choral group, Kinnara Ensemble. She also sings with her jazz trio and her first studio-recorded jazz album, 'Standard Deviations' was released in June 2013. She serves as a private voice instructor and adjunct professor of acting at Montclair State University, where she received an MA in Theatre Studies, as well as teaching at the voice studio through the applied lesson program at Roxbury Community School and at the Performing Arts Studio at MPAC.

Justin Anthony Long previously starred in MPAC's first ever spring production, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His acting credits include Next to Normal, Cabaret, Violet, Sweeney Todd and a featured role in Martin Scorsese's Oscar nominated film, The Wolf of Wall Street. Justin also wrote, directed and starred in the hit musical web-series, City of Dreams. Some other writing credits include the award winning short musical Cookie Soirée (Sound Bites Festival & Ken Davenport's 10-Minute Play Contest), the award winning short film, Take Out (Top 10 AAFL 72-Hour Shootout), and the full-length subversive musical comedy Welcome to Shoofly (NYMF Next Link Finalist). Last summer, he and his writing partners made their NYC concert debut at 54 Below in The Opposite of Cool: the songs of Lee, Long & Burns and their LA concert debut at The Rockwell in Musi-Cal. Justin is a graduate of Montclair State University and the Upright Citizens Brigade Improv program.

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time captures hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers.

The jack-of-all-trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before MARY POPPINS arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. MARY POPPINS takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it." MARY POPPINS is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2015-2016 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

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