Potsdam Music Theatre Introduces Cast of 'Mary Poppins'

Community Performance Series to Debut Potsdam Music Theatre Production of 'Mary Poppins' from July 12 to 19

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The “Mary Poppins” cast, from left: Nic Thompson, Jillian Todd, Maurice Chinnery, Joseph Martino, Analise Rios, Ariana Andretta, Nick Magnanti, Kyle Marra, Kailee Brandt, Emily Brockway & Syl Foisy.

POTSDAM, NY (06/20/2016)(readMedia)-- Potsdam Music Theatre, a program of the Community Performance Series, is currently in production for its first summer musical, "Mary Poppins," which will show from July 12 through July 19 at SUNY Potsdam.

Based on the P. L. Travers book series of the same name, "Mary Poppins" became a hit Disney movie-musical in 1964, and exactly 40 years later the musical adaptation of the treasured story had its West End premiere in Bristol, United Kingdom. Mary Poppins is a nanny with more than the usual qualifications; she uses her magical flair to affect not only the characters on stage, but also the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The theatre adaptation of "Mary Poppins" includes favorite musical numbers like "Jolly Holiday" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite," and also introduces new songs like "The Perfect Nanny." This production has an inspiring set of creative minds on board, including an accomplished director and a stand-out cast. This collaboration of artists will surely make for a dazzling and unique take on the musical that is "practically perfect in every way."

Returning to the director's seat once again is Catherine Doherty, who directed the 2015 CPS production of "Into The Woods." Doherty is more than ready to jump into the challenges of not only directing "Mary Poppins" this summer, but also playing the role of Mrs. Briggs. In the past, she has worked professionally as an actress, director and stage manager, and has even written the book and lyrics for a musical. She has proven herself as a publically and critically acclaimed director, having worked on renowned plays and musicals, such as "The Crucible," "Elephant Man," "A Chorus Line" and "Of Mice and Men," as well as a 10-person original adaptation of "Chicago." She enjoys producing work here in the North Country because of the inclusive nature of the community.

Doherty has done considerable research on the history of "Mary Poppins," and P. L. Travers' original intentions for the character and the Banks family dynamics. The theatre adaptation of the story is a bit truer to the books than the movie version and isn't afraid to be grounded in the reality of this family's turmoil, while still incorporating all the whimsy and magic of a Disney musical. Doherty is particularly excited to put emphasis on the dynamic between the reality and the magic of this iconic story. Most importantly, she is excited to show how the beloved Mary Poppins is able to rescue people from their complacency with a bit of music and "just a spoonful of sugar."

The role of Mary Poppins is one of the most treasured characters of our time, and wearing her hat takes a special type of woman with unquestionable grace and poise. This trait is certainly found in Emily Brockway, the show's leading lady, who like so many of us grew up worshiping Julie Andrews' portrayal of the iconic nanny. Brockway knows that her version of Mary will definitely be built off of the love that she has for this character and the way Andrews portrayed her. Brockway is also thrilled to be working with Doherty for the third time. They previously worked together on a production of "My Fair Lady" and again last year when Brockway played Cinderella in the CPS production of "Into the Woods."

Taking the stage as George Banks is Vincent D'Elia, who is no stranger to the North Country, having played Danny Zuko in a production of "Grease" for the former Music Theatre North. D'Elia is an New York City native. Some of his extensive credits include the national tour of "Bye Bye Birdie," the Broadway production of "Grease," and TV acting experience, including a role on "All My Children." He is overjoyed to be back in the North Country and to be surrounded by nature, saying "it's just as green as I remembered it!" D'Elia has never been in a performance of "Mary Poppins" before, and is excited for this opportunity to play a character who is more rigid than any role he's ever had. D'Elia is ready to take Banks' journey to rediscovering his inner child.

You will find that Nic Thompson glows in the pivotal role of Bert, a good-humored jack of all trades, because Thompson himself is a delightful individual who is thrilled to be playing such a fun-loving and cheerful character. Thompson has previously been part of the national tour of "Mary Poppins," as well as the "Mary Poppins" Broadway ensemble. He has been able to watch the best of the best play Bert, and says he was influenced by Gavin Lee's portrayal of the role. Having grown up with eight younger cousins, all falling at least seven years his junior, Thompson says it's is in his nature to be a male role model. This will come in handy on stage when the Banks children need a father figure. Bert is right there to teach them "there's a whole world at their feet!"

Playing the role of Jane Banks is 13 year-old Kailee Brandt. Brandt is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is extremely excited to be a part of this lively production. The magic of the show is something that intrigues Brandt and she loves the character of Mary Poppins for her flair and ability to impact the Banks family so positively. Outside of her theatrical talents, Brandt is a hula dancer, and said she would be more than willing to give the rest of the cast and crew a lesson.

Local talent Syl Foisy will be playing young Michael Banks. He is an eighth grader from Potsdam, and has previously been in the cast of the CPS productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Into the Woods." Foisy shared that if he had to be any other character in the show he would love to be Bert, for his fun-loving and highly energetic nature. High energy seems to be a trend for Foisy's interests, considering his accomplishments as a step dancer and a baseball player. Foisy is looking forward to sharing his talents in the tap number, "Step in Time."

Tickets are currently on sale for "Mary Poppins" and the second show of the 2016 Potsdam Music Theatre season, "Ring of Fire." These can be purchased by phoning the CPS Box Office at (315) 267-2277 or visiting www.cpspotsdam.org.

CPS is a college-community partnership presenting world-class performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York through 3 branches of programming: Potsdam Music Theatre, the Guest Artist Series and the Meet the Arts program for children. This rich mixture of programming links communities, classrooms and audiences of all ages. For more information, please visit www.cpspotsdam.org.

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of only three arts campuses in the entire SUNY system. SUNY Potsdam's arts curriculum offers the full palette: music, theatre, dance, fine arts and creative writing. No matter the discipline, people from all backgrounds can find their creative compass at Potsdam, with myriad arts immersion experiences available for both campus and community.

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