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There may be no more ‘appier crew than those practicing at the Firehouse Arts Center ahead of opening weekend for Pleasanton Youth Theater Company’s production of “Mary Poppins JR”.
An adaptation of the Disney movie and Cameron Mackintosh stage musical, the youth play centers on magical nanny Mary Poppins and her adventures with friend Bert, a jack of all trades including chimney sweep, and young Jane and Michael Banks and their parents.
“Compared to other junior productions, ‘Mary Poppins JR’ has a large number of songs – 31, to be exact! – that require energetic group dances and lots to memorize. However, our cast does a fabulous job of practicing at home and they always come to rehearsal ready to work,” director Leila Brown told the Pleasanton Weekly.
“Our ensemble does such a fantastic job of contributing to the world of ‘Mary Poppins JR’, as they fill the stage with high energy dances and big character choices,” Brown said. “It gives me so much joy when an actor comes up to me with an idea. Throughout this production, it’s been my goal to promote creative choices and character work and it truly shines through the way they portray the characters.”
The PYTC production, which runs eight shows this weekend and next at the Firehouse in downtown Pleasanton, includes two separate casts of actors – the “Kite Cast” and the “Chimney Cast”.
“‘Mary Poppins JR’ is such a heartwarming story with songs that make you dance in your seat,” Brown said. “While there are moments of pure joy in this story, there are also moments where I shed a tear. Specifically, the song ‘Feed the Birds’ gets me every time. That final stage picture where Mary and the kids look at the ensemble with understanding and empathy is so sweet and endearing.”
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from April 24 to May 3. For tickets and more information, go to firehousearts.org.
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