Your word for the day, from ‘Mary Poppins’ at MPAC

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Video: How is that spelled again?

 

Mary Poppins (Sandy Taylor) makes it sound so easy.  But in the distant past, this particular word gave me fits.

The video above will help you practice, in case you’re planning to sing along this weekend at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Mary Poppins, the Morristown theater’s fourth annual spring musical, premieres on Friday, June 3, 2016, at 7:30 pm.  Showtimes are 2 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday, June 4; and 2 pm on Sunday, June 5. Tickets are $20-$25.

“It’s a great story, told with a lot of heart, and a lot of joy. There’s great singing, and great movement,” said Cathy Roy, who has directed every MPAC production, starting with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2013. Hairspray and Les Miserables followed.

Justin Anthony Long and Sandy Taylor in   'Mary Poppins' at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Justin Anthony Long and Sandy Taylor in ‘Mary Poppins’ at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Mary Poppins poses more technical challenges than the other shows, Roy said. Co-stars Taylor and Justin Anthony Long  fly above the stage in several scenes.

It’s a big production, too, with lots of costumes and set changes.

About half the 53 cast members performed last year in Les Mis. The actors’ ages range from 9 to 31.

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Long, who plays Bert, the chimney sweep made famous by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 Disney movie, played the lead in Dreamcoat.

Justin Anthony Long as Bert in 'Mary Poppins' at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Justin Anthony Long as Bert in ‘Mary Poppins’ at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“He has so much charisma. He lights up the stage. He’s a perfect partner for Mary Poppins. He brings so much heart and depth,” Roy said of Long.

And the director could not be happier with Taylor, who has the daunting task of making viewers forget Julie Andrews.

“I think she’s perfect,” Roy said of Taylor, a Roxbury native. “Seeing her in this role, I can’t imagine anyone else playing it. She has the perfect combination of strength and heart. There is love in everything she does. Even when she’s strict, you know she loves Jane and Michael.”

They are the children who Mary Poppins nannies. Sarah Rappaport and Aidan Alberto portray them.

The show adds songs not in the movie. But fans of the film should recognize everything, with one exception:

“There are no dancing penguins here!” Roy said.

MORE ABOUT MARY POPPINS


MARY POPPINS

The Mayo Performing Arts Center

Shows at 7:30 pm on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4,

and 2 pm, Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5.

Tickets: $20, $25.  At 100 South St. Call 973-539-8008.

Cast of 'Mary Poppins' at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Cast of ‘Mary Poppins’ at MPAC. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

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