The Curtain Closes for Mary Poppins the Musical

Written by: Lauren Groff

The lights are down, the curtain is closed, and Sparta High School's production of Mary Poppins is finished. The dazzling production filled with singing, dancing - and yes, even flying - appeared “practically perfect” on stage, but not without the help of many people behind the scenes. Aside from just the actors and actresses on stage, multiple stage crew members and volunteers gave their time to help create the set, decorate the auditorium, control the lighting, organize the props, sell and bake concessions, and so much more.

The musical, which was set to showcase March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, landed right in the middle of the recent nor'easter snow storm that brought cold temperatures and snow barreling towards the east coast. However, the cast and crew did not let a little difficult weather get in the way. The Friday March 2nd show was promptly rescheduled for Sunday March 4, which drew many young children and their families into the packed SHS auditorium. All three performances drew exceptionally large crowds, and lit up the faces of audience members of all ages. Erin Vreeland, an SHS senior who portrayed the role of the Banks family house maid Mrs. Brill, spoke fondly of the experience. “Having Mary Poppins be my fourth and last musical at Sparta was the best experience of my high school career. This year's show was one to never forget and I`m so thankful for every second of it!”

Left to right: Claire Riley as George Banks, Sara Vincelette as Winifred Banks,
Steven Sullivan as Michael Banks, Lauren Groff as Jane Banks 

Featured dancers twirl away. Left to right: Esha Iyer, Sofia Cook, Noelle Valario

Mary Poppins (Nina Strowe) and Mrs. Corry (Tessa Gori) immerse the Banks children
into the magic of the Talking Shop

Burt (Henry Silberstein) flies high above rooftops with chimney sweeps below.

Mary Poppins may have left the SHS stage, but the happiness it brought to hundreds still remains. With every year comes a new musical, but this year's production was certainly one not to be forgotten.