A Note from the Director

When Mary Poppins first arrived in theaters in 1964, its nod to the suffragette movement made it an important film for its time. That spirit stayed with us throughout this process. In working on many of the characters, we set out to empower the women of this story more than the script implies, without changing the intent of the show or a single word of it.

What makes Stapleton’s multigenerational theatre so special is that families get to create together. In this cast, more than ten families are performing alongside their own family members, including one family with three generations sharing the stage. We have performers who have been part of Stapleton shows since the early 2000s, and others who are stepping onto our stage for the very first time. There are teachers and students, seasoned professionals and brand-new actors, retirees, and people at the very beginning of their careers or family journeys, all working together in one place.

This production also marks something new for us. Mary Poppins has only two large roles written for young performers, and as an educational program with far more talented, hardworking students than roles, we chose to double cast many of the parts traditionally played by adults with a youth cast as well. It has been one of the most rewarding parts of this process. Our experienced adult performers have become mentors, our young actors have risen to the challenge, and the students of Stapleton have had more chances to shine than ever before.

To our cast and crew: thank you for your hard work, your generosity with one another, and your willingness to let anything happen. To our families, volunteers, and staff: none of this flies without you. And to our audience: thank you for being here. Sit back, step in time, and let yourself believe in a little magic tonight.

Jenny Boynton
Director