Lawrence Lately

Helping everyone to believe in magic

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Lawrence parents, students, faculty, administrators and community members indulged in a special treat, the Lawrence High School Broadway Showcase on Nov. 15, 16 and 17. This year’s production was, the Disney classic, “Mary Poppins.”

“Mary Poppins” recounts the story of the Banks, an English family in need of a nanny. The Banks children, Jane and Michael, long for a nanny who is kind and will play with them, they compose a note containing these preferences. Their mother, Winifred Banks, struggles with her role as a wife and mother, while her husband George’s occupation and familial responsibilities leave him strained and unpleasant in nature.

Mary Poppins later sees Jane and Michael’s note and becomes their nanny, changing everyone’s lives. Mary Poppins and her magic, take Jane and Michael on adventures and brightens their lives with excitement. The performance of our Lawrence High students does the same. The cast members’ embodiment of each and every one of their characters was absolutely superb as was the vocal talent displayed.

With exuberant tunes such as, “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Anything Can Happen”, and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” audience members sang, laughed, smiled and clapped along throughout the entire performance. Along with acting and singing, the choreography of the show, credited to Laila Sales and assistants, Audrey Michling and Andrea Thompson, was brilliant. The choreography was lively, bright and energetic, leaving audience members wanting to be on stage too. The beautiful music provided by the pit orchestra under the direction of Joel Marc Gerson was the spoonful of sugar on top.

The stage crew under the artistic direction of Robert Verone created magnificent sets that transported the audience to early 20th century England. The production’s graphic arts designer, Patty Buckheit and backdrop projections manager Dominic Grijalva did the same. Behind the scenes Sylvia Polanco ensured the beautiful songs and music could be heard by all. The stage crew, led by student managers Noelle Cancilliere, Nya Jackson, Rhiannon Super, and Ashley Crespo who controlled lighting and stage management moved props swiftly as scenes changed.

Lawrence High School guidance counselor Karen Staller doubled as producer, providing the cast and crew with refreshments during lengthy and strenuous rehearsals. Tom Riley is head of the school’s Drama Club and director of the show. Many cast and crew members expressed their gratitude to him for encouraging them to get on stage and shine like the stars they truly are.

For many of the graduating seniors, this was their final time gracing the Lawrence High School stage in a Broadway Showcase. There surely could not have been a more beautiful farewell.

The magic of Mary Poppins brought smiles and laughter to its audience. One may say it was “practically perfect” in the sense that it did everything a good play should, it made people feel, and maybe even believe in magic.