By Bethany Adams, For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE — Something is happening in Springville Middle School that can only be described with one word. And that word is “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Springville Community Theater’s 40th anniversary show, Mary Poppins, will open on Thursday, July 28. Directed by SCT founder June Mack, the musical combines elements from the classic movie with brand new concepts.
“It’s such a rich story,” cast member Amanda Hudson said. “You’ll cry.”
While the show will include the classic songs that the movie is known for, it also features new numbers which cast member Brooke Buxton believes will delight the audience.
“Almost every scene in the play is a musical number with singing and choreography,” she said, “so I think they’ll really enjoy that.”
The show features an 80 person cast, each of whom brings something unique to the performance—whether it’s singing, dancing, or flying through the air courtesy of Pat Bosworth and On the Fly Productions.
“Every actor that is in the show is fabulous,” Assistant Director Beth Bolton said. “Our lead Mary Poppins — who’s Jennifer Lewis — she is a fabulous actress.”
According to Lewis herself, portraying the famous nanny is an exciting experience.
“I love playing Mary Poppins because she’s just so completely opposite of everything I am, and it’s quite refreshing,” the SCT veteran said. “She’s so confident, assured, certain, vain (but somehow in an adorable way), she makes no apologies, and she’s just plain Practically Perfect.”
From getting Bert and Mary airborne to creating Mary’s magic carpet bag, every aspect of the production has had a touch of the enchanting.
“It’s lots of fun, and it’s just wonderful,” cast member Lori Hebson said. “The halls and this whole place comes to life for two months, and for a week in July, it’s a magical place.”
Mack, whose experience includes 50 theatrical productions and 70 films, is confident that the audience will find the show magical, as well.
“This show is full of passion, magic, and high spirits (you can’t top Chimney Sweeps in that category!),” Mack said. “On our tiny stage, with no fly space and no backstage, we will have a cast of 80 dancing, singing, and flying — the whole thing is a miracle.”
So whether you know every song by heart or you’re hearing them for the first time, the cast and crew of the SCT invite you to come have “a jolly holiday with Mary.”
Mary Poppins runs Thursday, July 28 through Saturday, July 30 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, July 31 at 2 p.m. Springville Middle School is located at 6691 Main St. (U.S. Hwy 11). Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. To reserve, call Donna Smith at (205)937-0646 or Candace Eskew at (205)965-2946, or purchase tickets online at Springvillecommunitytheater.com.