Thank you so much for attending our production of Mary Poppins Jr.! I am so proud of the hard work of all the students in this production, from the technical crew, to the adorable Early Childhood singers before the matinee, and the incredible performers in the spotlight. This production has come together thanks to all of your hard work. This is also our inaugural production on the newly named D.L. Rogers Stage! Thank you to the D.L. Rogers family for renovating our sound system. I can't wait for everyone to hear the incredible sound quality today.
Mary Poppins began as the titular character in a series of books by Australian-British author P.L. Travers. There were eight novels released between the years 1934-1988. Walt Disney famously wooed Travers into allowing him to adapt her beloved characters into a film (as depicted in the wonderful movie Saving Mr. Banks). Mary Poppins, the film, came out in 1964 and won five academy awards including Best Actress for Julie Andrews. Despite its success, Mrs. Travers was not a fan of the movie adaptation. In 1993, she agreed to adapt Mary Poppins into a musical so long as all the creators were British and that nobody who worked on the movie was involved in the production. It took eleven years, but finally in 2004 the production opened on the West End in London. The play featured iconic songs from the film along with new songs composed by Stiles and Drewe and a script by Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey. The show transferred to Broadway two years later and holds the record for the 25th longest running production in Broadway history.
The version of Mary Poppins that you're seeing today is based off of both the 1964 film and parts of the book series not featured in the film. For example, since it would be entirely too difficult for stage actors to jump into a sidewalk drawing, this version of "Jolly Holiday" features statues that come to life. This plot point was taken from the 1943 book Mary Poppins Opens the Door where the park statue of Neleus comes to life. Neleus was the son of the Greek god Poseidon and longed for a connection with his father, just like the Banks children did.
I have loved Mary Poppins ever since I was a little girl. It has been a dream of mine to be involved in a production of it, and I am privileged to be able to direct it this year. This production is especially sentimental to me as it is the last show for several seniors who have been so dear to me for many years. Manu and Nick joined Drama Club this year and we are so lucky to have them! Thanks for your hard work and dedication in a very busy time. Robert has graced the stage twice throughout his time in Drama Club and has been a key player in our technical crew. Eduardo has been a dependable and essential part of our crew, as well. Thank you two so much for your dedication and responsibility to our productions throughout the years. Tre is the only student who has acted in every production that Drama Club has ever put on, from his starring role in sixth grade as The Genie in Aladdin to his impeccable turn as Bert today. Julia started out in the stage crew of The Lion King but quickly got bitten by the acting bug. I've been so proud to watch her blossom into the talented actress she is today. And Evelyn, who bounced into my life as Tigger in Winnie the Pooh, means more to me than she'll ever know. The sky is the limit for what you'll accomplish. Mr. Simmons and I are both so proud of all of you and we will miss you all so much. We can't wait to see what you accomplish in college and beyond.
Now that I've cried all over my keyboard, I will thank you all once more for attending our production today. I am so grateful to be in my position at Clariden and don't take it for granted. To my seniors, and everyone here today, "Go on, chase your dreams. You won't regret it. Anything can happen if you let it."
Mrs. Simmons
