MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical From Book to
MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical
From Book to Film to Stage • Eight books by P. L. Travers and illustrated by Mary Shephard published between 1934 and 1988
From Book to Film to Stage • Adapted as a film musical by Walt Disney in 1964 (cf. “Saving Mr. Banks” 2013)
From Book to Film to Stage • 2004 – adapted for the stage (London) • 2006 to 2013 – Broadway production • National Tours
The Stage Musical • Music & Lyrics: Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman • Additional Music by George Stiles and additional lyrics by Anthony Drewe • Book: Julian Fellowes • Act One: 12 scenes • Act Two: 14 scenes
The Stage Musical: A Gift • Familiar, yet different • Appeals to a wide audience • Meaningful story
The Stage Musical: A Gift • Large cast; numerous smaller featured roles • Fun production numbers • Challenging to produce and perform
The Stage Musical: A Challenge • Audience expectations • Challenging to produce (special effects) and perform (rigorous singing and choreography)
The Stage Musical: A Challenge • Large cast (including featured children and men)
Mary Poppins, the story • London, 1910 • The story of how Jane and Michael Banks and their parents George and Winifred become a real family, guided by the wisdom (and magic) of Mary Poppins and her friends
Mary Poppins: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious http: //youtu. be/qk. HV 6 THFo. Ds
Characters: Women • Mary Poppins, early 30’s, soprano or mezzo with strong top notes, moves well, precise diction • Mrs. Winifred Banks, early 30’s, mezzo, mother of Jane and Michael • Mrs. Brill, 40’s or 50’s, alto, housekeeper - featured speaking role
Characters: Women • Miss Andrews, 40’s or 50’s, soprano with an alto belt – villainous Nanny of Mr. Banks • Miss Lark, 30’s, neighbour of the Banks family – small speaking role
Characters: Women • Mrs. Corry, “ageless” soprano, owner of the magical gingerbread shop • Her daughters, Annie & Fannie (20’s – one line)
Characters: Women • The Old Bird Woman, 50+, alto, street person on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral • Miss Smythe, 40’s, humourless secretary of the Bank Chairman (one line)
Characters: Women • Katie Nana, 30’s, Nanny to the Banks children – small speaking role • Queen Victoria, a statue come to life (nonspeaking)
Characters: Men • Bert, 30’s, baritone, dancer, narrator, street artist and chimney sweep • George Banks, late 30’s early 40’s, baritone, father to Jane and Michael • Robertson Ay, early 20’s, tenor, houseboy in the Banks’ household • Admiral Boom, 50’s, small speaking role
Characters: Men • Policeman, 30’s, small speaking role • Park Keeper, 40’s, tenor • Neleus, early 20’s, “a living statue”, dancer
Characters: Men • Bank Chairman, 50’s, baritone • Von Hussler, 30’s or 40’s, German businessman • John Northbrook 30’s or 40’s, Yorkshire businessman
Characters: Children • Jane Banks, 11, child soprano, bright, precocious, sometimes willful • Michael Banks, 9, unbroken male child voice, clever, cheeky, sometimes naughty
Characters: Ensemble • Dancers –jazz, some tap and even a bit of ballet • Vocal ensemble – several large production numbers for women and men, some movement required
Our Way of Working • Our team approach of distributed leadership • Positive, “professional”, personal • We have fun in the work (high expectations and maximum enjoyment) • Attend on-time all rehearsals to which you are called (work-related exceptions)
Rehearsals – Tuesday and Thursdays beginning first week of February (excepting March Break, March 14 – 18). Saturday rehearsals – March 5; April 2; May 14
Performances Theatre technical rehearsal and runs – Sunday June 5, Monday June 6, Tuesday June 7, Thursday June 9 Dress Rehearsal (with audience) – Friday June 10 Performance Dates – Saturday June 11; Sunday June 12 (Matinee); Thursday June 16, Friday June 17, Saturday June 18
Auditions Thursday January 7 - 5 to 9 pm (St. Margaret’s) Friday January 8 - 5 to 9 pm (St. Margaret’s) Saturday January 9 – 9: 30 am to 4: 30 pm (Catholic Teachers’ Centre, CEC)
Auditions Process – all those auditioning will attend an individual audition and a dance/movement audition scheduled midway on each audition day
Auditions You will: • read from a scene from the play (options are available); • sing a song (of your choice; in your vocal range); • attend a group dance audition
Auditions Group dance auditions – • wear comfortable clothing, running shoes or dance shoes; • you will be taught a short routine, will rehearse it and then perform it in a small group.
Auditions Those who have performed in previous, recent Staff. Arts productions and who are auditioning for a role in the Ensemble may audition in a group of three and then attend the dance audition.
Auditions Sign Up – tonight or online at www. tcdsb. org/staffarts
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