Entertainment Entertainment News Theater 'Mary Poppins' set to soar at Eastlight
'Mary Poppins' set to soar at Eastlight
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- Published on Monday, 16 June 2014 12:43
- Written by Paul Gordon
Many months ago, Robin Hunt and Steve Cordle were having a conversation about musicals that could be stage at Eastlight Theatre in East Peoria. Hunt has become one of the region’s most prolific directors, Cordle manages Eastlight and is well-known for his technical prowess.
It was a conversation Hunt is very glad happened. That’s because it led to her being offered to direct “Mary Poppins,” which opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. and continues through June 28 in the auditorium at East Peoria High School.
It is the second of three of two shows making their regional premiere during Eastlight’s current season, following “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and ahead of “Young Frankenstein,” which opens Sept. 12.
“This was one of the shows Steve and I talked about as a possibility. So I was thrilled when it was eventually offered to me and it has been an incredible experience thanks to the hardworking and dedicated cast of people doing everything it can to make the magic that is ‘Mary Poppins’ happen,” Hunt said. “And of course, Steve Cordle is pulling out all the stops like he always does to bring that magic into the open. And there is much magic to behold.”
Yes, the character Mary Poppins will fly in the Eastlight production. But that is the only “secret” Hunt is willing to reveal ahead of opening night for the musical that is based on the Walt Disney film of the same name and the books of P.L. Travers.
Hunt believes audiences familiar with the film that starred Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke will enjoy the musical perhaps more because it goes deeper into the relationship of Mary and Bert the chimney sweep as well as her dealings with the Banks family, after she has arrived via umbrella to be nanny to Michael and Jane.
Mr. Banks, for example, was a smaller and more comedic role in the film than in the books and now, in the musical, Hunt said.
Hunt said all of the music from the film audiences know and love are in the musical, including “Chim Chim Cheree,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Step In Time.”
The title role is portrayed by Stephanie Myre of Lincoln, who wowed Peoria audiences with her portrayal of Eponine in Eastlight’s production of “Les Miserables” two years ago, then later as a woman with severe mental health issues in “Next To Normal” at Corn Stock Theatre. Both of those productions were directed by Hunt. “To see her now bring a completely different type of character to life has been wonderful and it shows her incredible talent,” Hunt said.
Bert is portrayed by Josh Hammond, a veteran of central Illinois stages who brings “everything you could want in a Bert” to the Eastlight stage, she said.
Roger Roemer and Julie Clemens portray George and Winifred Banks and Jaret Ledford and Claire Hawks are their children, Michael and Jane, who have succeeded in driving way several nannie before Mary comes along.
Carmen McCarthy portrays Miss Andrews, who was George Banks’ nanny when he was a child and help him find perspective. Other cast members include local stage veterans Barb Couri (Bird Woman), Seth Hannan (Robertson Ay) and Andrew Harlan (Neleus).
Musical director is Shawn Degenhart, whom Hunt said came out of a semi-retirement from musical direction to do this show because he has a passion for the music from “Mary Poppins.” Hunt did her own choreography except the tap dance routine in “Step In Time,” choreographed by Erica Franken.
Hunt has directed many shows in central Illinois, most of them musicals, and said this one ranks in her top three favorites. “This is such a heart warming and fabulous story,” she said.
Tickets are on sale now and cost $18. They can be ordered by calling 699-7469 or online at www.eastlighttheatre.com.
