The Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts brings the magic and music of Mary Poppins to life this Spring. Both directing and choreographing the play is SYAA Executive Director Walter Allen.
”I guess if you’re older you might just be nostalgic about the old Mary Poppins movie with Julie Andrews, and for kids that are new to it, it just the magic of theater and the magic of Mary Poppins that will attract them to the story,” says Allen.
The play draws inspiration from not only the popular Disney movie, but also the Broadway musical of the same name, which delves back into the storyline of the original storybooks. Audiences can expect some these new elements in addition the familiar and well-loved songs and scenes.
Theatre builds self-awareness, it builds their ability to communicate with those around them, it builds their self-confidence and it just helps them become a better version of themselves. -- Walter Allen
Young actors and actresses have signed on to fill the shoes of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke from around the local area. The Play is “double cast” which means that there are two sets of actors playing most roles. This offers the audience a chance to see nuance and personalities of these young thespians. All of the SYAA participants are between the ages of 8 and 18.
“I’ve been in theater education for almost 20 years now, and what it does for those students is: it builds their self-awareness, it builds their ability to communicate with those around them, it builds their self-confidence and it just helps them become a better version of themselves,” explains Allen.
Mary Poppins performances are March 5th, 6th, 12th,and 13th. For more information on this production, summer SYAA programs, or to purchase tickets visit the SYAA website or call 318-812-7922.
