Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians theatre will present “Mary Poppins” as their spring musical.
The 1964 play is based on P.L. Travers’ book series of the same name, with songs written and composed by the Sherman Brothers, and was created for the stage by Cameron Mackintosh with additional songs.
The musical revolves around Michael and Jane Banks, siblings who are somewhat spoiled yet also ignored by their parents. They can’t seem to keep a nanny for long, with one servant stating that they all “live in a madhouse on Cherry Tree Lane.”
The children attempt to put out an advertisement describing their ideal nanny. Shortly thereafter, Poppins blows in with the wind and her magic bag, “practically perfect in every way.” She adds a touch of magic to the family’s life, encouraging the children to see splendor in the mundane. A trip to the park, which the children find dull, turns into a dreamscape with statues that come to life.
Poppins is played by senior Sarah Lacher. “I think it’s exciting for me to play this iconic character but also to be able to have my own take on the character,” Lacher said. She described Poppins as a mix of both Bert, Poppins’ eccentric long-time friend, and Miss Andrews, the Banks’ father’s strict nanny.
“It’s cool to combine both those elements,” Lacher said. “Bert is a little bit too playful and Miss Andrews is a little bit too strict, so finding the balance between those. Mary Poppins is so sweet and she loves her job but she knows when it’s time to have business. It’s fun to find a balance.”
Lacher will be attending Grand Canyon University to major in theater and minor in musical theater and dance.
Senior Lazor Lanson plays Bert, the charming jack-of-all-trades. “Bert is very meditative and reflective on life. He finds joy in the simplicity of little things,” Lanson said. “Bert’s ideal day would be to sit out, enjoy the breeze and the trees and the stars. He’s a very peaceful guy and he loves fun.”
Lanson also plans to pursue acting in college.
For the first time in Mingus history, a flying system will be incorporated into the musical and both Mary and Bert will get to soar above the stage.
Mingus’ theatre productions are known for their elaborate sets, impressive performances and entertainment value. Their 2021 production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” won the Best Musical Fall 2021 award from the Arizona Thespians. Their 2019 production of “Newsies” won the Arizona High School Music Theatre Awards’ most prestigious honor of Best Musical.
The production features a live pit orchestra, a cast and crew of almost 100 people, original hair and makeup by Audrey Young, costumes by Lydia Collins, backdrops by John Giles, sets by Logan Wolfe and direction by James Ball. Audience members will get to listen to classics like “A Spoonful of Sugar” accompanied by the choreography of Carla and Stephen Renard.
“Mary Poppins” will show at the Mingus Auditorium on:
- Friday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for students and children, $13 for seniors and $15 for adults. They can be purchased at atort.ludus.com or by stopping by the bookstore at Mingus on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 more at the door.
