LIHUE — Excitement is building for Hawaii Children’s Theatre’s fall production of Disney’s Broadway version of “Mary Poppins.” Just off Broadway and a national tour, this classic family favorite opens Nov. 13 and runs for three weekends, closing Nov. 29
LIHUE — Excitement is building for Hawaii Children’s Theatre’s fall production of Disney’s Broadway version of “Mary Poppins.”
Just off Broadway and a national tour, this classic family favorite opens Nov. 13 and runs for three weekends, closing Nov. 29 at the Kauai Memorial Convention Hall.
Based on the series of children’s books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, this Broadway version has been exciting audiences across the country and HCT is proud to showcase Kauai’s amazing talent along with the costumes, sets and special effects needed to tell the magical story of Mary Poppins — and a live orchestra.
Erin Gaines is bringing the lead character’ Mary Poppins’ to life on stage, joined by Talon Ahnan playing the male lead Bert.
The roles of Jane and Michael Banks have been dual cast with Kaile McKeown and Tanner Hubbard and Mia Thompson and Jeremiah Garcia. Jim Warrack and Jessika Montoya will be playing their parents George and Winifred.
The rest of the company plays a variety of roles throughout the show. They are listed here alphabetically: Kala’e Abrams, Talia Abrams, Donna Breuer, Beorn Chantara, Lana Coffman, Sean Cristobal, India Davies, Chad Dellatan, Mackenzie Franks, Conner Green, Nailani Green, Taj Gutierrez, Lolli Hagen, Blade Kanekuni, Dolly Kanekuni, Marissa Kennedy, Jacob Lester, Kailey Masters, Darlyne McLeod, Margaret McLeod, Gabriel McMullen, Kristen Miyasaki, Jenny Nezbeda, Mitchell Ouye, Emma Pinkston, Sean Randol, Tara Randol, Kolea Rautmann, Parker Reed, Sophia Riley, Chloe Rudinoff, Sabryn Rudinoff, Layne Torgerson, Manu Trujillo, Ethan Whatmore, Bard Widmer and Callie Yavinsky.
“Mary Poppins” is directed and choreographed by Broadway’s own Carol Culver with musical direction by Alan Van Zee. Bailey Hutton, who worked on last year’s “Shrek,” will be stage managing again, assisted by Tani Oshino.
Leading the technical team is Steve Whitney with the help of Stacie Ramos, Sam Whitney and Marly Madayag. The costume team of Esther Manning, Poppy Shell and Barbara Green is headed up by Mitchell and Lani Ouye. Bobbee Downs will be using her skills on hair and makeup and Brenda Biehler has come again this year as the show’s props mistress.
The sets will be created by David Shell, Ron Horoshko, Donnie Maione, Jarhett Gaines and Wayne Zebzda. Producer duties will once again be handled by Debra Blachowiak and Dolly Kanekuni.
Tickets will be available from the cast and crew for $10, at outlets around the island and online at the HCT website, www.hawaiichildrenstheatre.org for $12, and at the door.
Creating a big Broadway-style musical requires a lot of help and HCT welcomes the support of anyone who might like to support the production by volunteering, a press release announced. Financial support can be provided with the purchase an ad in the playbill, donation of prizes for the raffle drawing, and/or sponsorship of a set piece.
Info: HCT, 246-8985 or Debra Blachowiak, 639-2437.
