Notes from the Artistic Director
What an honor to direct Mary Poppins in the new Olenn Performing Arts Center! It certainly is a huge improvement from the days when I performed on the stage at the original high school on the third floor at the far end of the basketball court!! .
Mary Poppins is based on the book series by P. L. Travers and more notably, the 1964 musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. On Broadway, it ran for over six years. Even though the show is called Mary Poppins, it is actually the story of the Bank’s family. They are an incredibly dysfunctional family. Father is only focused on making money and being the perfect provider while Mother is focused on being the best wife possible. The kids are dying for attention—that is half the reason why they are driving the nannies out of the house.
When Mary Poppins arrives in all this chaos, it is evident she is there to teach a lesson so they can ultimately learn how to “feed the birds’ and learn to be empathetic and to think of other people than themselves.
Over the past 30 years, my goal has been to inspire, encourage, and challenge young people as they step onto the stage with a willingness to take risks they often thought unachievable. The theater is a magical place, and this cast and crew make Mary’s magic real.
However, none of this would be possible, however, without those who do not appear on the stage. It is one of the places where “how fast, how strong or how agile you are does not mean as much as how well you can act, hammer nails, paint sets, mix sound, sew costumes, run lights, or help folks to their seats.” I thank each of you for that.
“ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IF YOU LET IT.”
".....Remember Life is not a Dress Rehearsal" Thanks Josie-Lynn Love Dad
GNP
Notes from the Producer
When I took on this role two years ago, I had a simple goal: To raise awareness of, as well as promote the artitstic talent of the 'Wells Players.' It has been an honor to work side by side with such wonderfully talented students and adults. I continue to be amazed at how our school community's drama group converts a playwrite's script and sheets of music into a wonderfully memorable piece of dramatic art. Beginning in November, when the production team decided on this show, our staff of adults put their heart and soul in to the planning, guidance and instruction of our students. They created the structure and framework for "the canvas" allowing our students to "create the work of art."
This talented group could be compared to an athletic team, with the actors, actresses, and musicians being "coached" by the directing team and 'managed" by the tech crew, making me, I suppose, the "President of the Boosters." On the surface this comparison seems to lack the presense of an athletic "opponent." That couldn't be further from the truth. Mother Nature posed the biggest challenge to the preparation of this show by either canceling or drastically shortening eight of the thirty scheduled rehearsals. Both the production team as well as our remarkably talented group of students endured the anxiety and emerged more resilent and determined to present you all with an awesome show.
Please take note of this show's sponsors found on the previous pages of this program. Without their generosity, it would have been an even greater challenge to stage the production you'll see tonight. I hope you appreciate the complexity of the costumes, props, and music in Mary Poppins. I, with you, look forward to seeing how this group's incredible efforts and talent lead to your enjoyment. On behalf of the entire group of people, both on stage and behind the scenes, thank you so much for supporting the arts at Wells High School and I hope you enjoy the show!
JPA
