Feed the birds: ‘Mary Poppins’ at Morristown High will benefit Raptor Trust, March 22-24

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From the Morristown High School Theatre Program:

The award-winning Morristown High School Theatre Program is proud to present its spring musical production, Mary Poppins, a whimsical, family-favorite tale, with four performances running March 22 – 24, 2024.

Set in London, England, in 1910, Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible storytelling, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. Jane and Michael Banks scare off another nanny with their spoiled and impudent behavior, leaving their parents utterly hopeless. When the mysterious Mary Poppins arrives at the doorstep of the dysfunctional and disconnected Banks family seeking to be their new nanny, a magical journey of wonder, mayhem, and wit ensues.

Mary, with the help of a few friends, soon teaches everyone that with a spoonful of sugar, anything can happen if you let it. Don’t miss this SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS extravaganza!

MHS video promo for Mary Poppins:

Throughout the story of Mary Poppins, Mary also encourages the Banks children to appreciate everything in life, and she reminds them to look beyond themselves and care for others. The song Feed the Birds, in particular, emphasizes the importance of protecting and caring for birds and others in need.

In this spirit, MHS Theatre will partner this weekend with the Raptor Trust, a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization whose mission is to “provide free care and assistance to injured, sick, or orphaned wild birds… educate people about wild birds… and provide a humane example for others.”

As a part of this partnership, we will be collecting donations in the lobby at every show to benefit The Raptor Trust.

Here is a list of much needed supplies that their volunteers use daily with the animals that help to accomplish their mission.

  • Tissues (unscented without lotion)
  • Paper towels (select-a-size)
  • Towels (without frayed edges)
  • Reams of standard 8 ½ x 11 copy paper (blue, white, and yellow)
  • Corn meal
  • Apples
  • Grapes & blueberries
  • Eukanuba Small Breed
  • Peanuts (unsalted without shells)
  • Birdseed (any and all)
  • Gallon jugs of distilled water
  • Heating pads (not auto-off!)
  • Plastic cat and dog food bowls
  • Newspaper (no colored ads please)
  • Gift Cards to supermarkets or pet stores
  • Artificial Christmas trees (No lights, decorative spray, tinsel or decorations please)
  • Puppy Chow
  • Small block suet

You can also visit their Chewy Wish List or Amazon Wish List for easy and direct donations. If you are interested in learning more about The Raptor Trust or additional ways to support their mission, click here.

The play will feature two evening shows and two matinees:

● Friday, March 22 at 7:00 pm
● Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm
● Saturday, March 23 at 7:00 pm
● Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 pm

Tickets are $8 to $15 and can be purchased here.

“Laden with important life lessons, there’s something magical about
Mary Poppins that brings a smile to all who experience her optimism for life,” shares Morristown High School Musical Director Stephanie Rubin.

“Mary Poppins’ magical and eccentric ways, like sliding up banisters, visiting talking shops,
and conversing with animals, transforms the Banks family and makes them see the
world in a whole new light. In addition, Mary Poppins is always there to help those in
need, no matter the age, she teaches people how to be kind and helpful, and to always
look out for others…a timeless message that is a good reminder for us all.”

Featured at Saturday and Sunday Matinees:

“A Spoonful of Sugar” Children’s Party with Mary Poppins and Bert!

From noon to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, young theater-goers can join the party and enjoy “Tea and Biscuits” while making kites and other fun activities. Photo opportunities will be available with select cast members. There is a $5 fee per child. Reserve your spot during checkout of your ticket purchase!

The Mary Poppins student cast, in order of appearance, includes:

Bert – Elliott Eck
George Banks – Jackson Miller
Winifred Banks – Allison Miller
Jane Banks – Josie Gulisano
Michael Banks – Ameila Corcoran
Katie Nanna – Sajna Vel
Policeman – Noah Potian
Miss Lark – Sonia Meli*
Admiral Boom – Joshua Crean
Mrs. Brill – Abby Higgins
Robertson Ay – Kevin Clark
Mary Poppins – Julia Cama
Park Keeper – Quincy Robinson*
Neleus – Naina Slaughter*
Queen Victoria – Felicity Sulkin*
Bank Chairman – Ryan Snyder*
Miss Smythe – Haven McGuinn*
Von Hussler – Illan Onigman
Northbrook – William Quiceno
Bird Woman – Charlotte Cama*
Mrs. Corry – Elizabeth Gillen*
Fannie – Nina Gringeri*
Annie – Brooks Seibold
Valentine – Chris Miners
Teddy Bear – Tessa Niznik
Miss Punch – Selah Raphael
Doll – Heather Sambrowski*
Miss Andrew – Maggie McDermott
Messenger – Johannes Dohl
Doorman – Jack Garzon

Ensemble: Bridgette Nolan*, Brooks Seibold, Charlotte Cama*, Chris Miners, Davnette
McNamara, Felicity Sulkin*, Haven McGuinn, Heather Sambrowski, Ilan Onigman, Jack
Garzon, Johannes Dohl, Joshua Crean, Mila Elms, Miles Gorman, Naina Slaughter*,
Naja Spence, Nina Gringeri*, Noah Potian, Quincy Robinson*, Ryan Snyder, Sanjna
Vel*, Selah Raphael, Sonia Meli*, Tessa Niznik, William Quiceno
*Denotes Featured Dancers

Pit Orchestra: Ben Furman, Chase Hancock, Derrick Delson, Elias Diringer, Elise
Hinrichs, Garret Gregor, Hannah Cochran, Jonathan Crysler, Matthew Bozza, Matthew
Collins, Nina Guastavsen, Olivia Gustavsen, Pedro Guillen, Sofia Rodriguez Caussade,
Skye Romano, Samantha Seibold, Vivienne MacBain

The musical also features a student-run crew that has transformed the stage into an
elaborate London-themed set. The costume team will help outfit over 30 roles with
multiple costume changes, a hair and makeup team that works with the full cast,
including chimney ashes, and a front-of-the-house team that helps to get theatergoers
excited to experience the magical adventure.

About the Morristown High School Theatre Program:

The Morristown High School Theatre Program is an award-winning program that prides
itself on engaging students in all aspects of the theatrical production process. As a
student-run production, Mary Poppins highlights the students’ talents, including cast
performers, instrumentalists, scenic art, build crew, lighting, sound, costumes, hair and
makeup, publicity, and direction.

Recent recognition for the Morristown High School Theatre Program includes:

2023 Bergen PAC High School Musical Awards for Cinderella – Outstanding Set
Design, Outstanding Orchestral Performance, Outstanding Ensemble
2023 Bergen PAC High School Musical Awards Nomination for Cinderella
Outstanding Overall Musical
2023 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards Nomination for Cinderella
Outstanding Performance by a Featured Ensemble Member, Charlotte Cama; Student
Achievement Award for Student Director, Ava Zappulla; Educational Impact and Theatre
for Everyone Inclusion and Access, Charlotte Eriksen
2023 Montclair State’s Theatre Night Nominations for She Kills Monsters
Outstanding Achievement by a Student Costume Technician, Natalie Rosenthal;
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Combat, Mr. George LaVigne; Outstanding
Achievement By An Actress In a Sci-Fi Play, Shannon Burns; Outstanding Achievement
By An Acting Ensemble In A Sci-Fi Play, Mr. George LaVigne; Outstanding Production
Of A Sci-Fi Play – Mr. George LaVigne
2023 Montclair State’s Theatre Night Winner for Something Rotten– The Jo Anne
Fox Award Newcomer Director, Ms. Stephanie Rubin
2023 Montclair State’s Theatre Night Nominations for Something Rotten
Outstanding Achievement by an Actor in a Period Musical, Johnny Mustion; Outstanding
Achievement by an Actress in a Period Musical, Julia Cama; Outstanding Production of
a Period Musical; Outstanding Achievement in Direction of a Musical, Ms. Stephanie
Rubin
2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Student Achievement Awards for Something Rotten
● 2022 MHS Theatre Student and Directors recognized with 11 Rising Star Award
Nominations for Something Rotten
NJ State Theatre Foxy Award Nominations for Harvey including The Jo Anne Fox
Award, Best Actor & Actress in a Period Comedy, Best Acting Ensemble Period Comedy,
Best Overall production of Period Comedy

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