In the words of legendary television host Ed Sullivan, “It’s going to be really big good show.” Students at Woodhull Intermediate School and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School are collaborating on what’s being billed as a sensational drama club production. Mary Poppins Jr. is already producing a run on the box office.
The show will be co-directed by teachers Allison Von Vange and Todd Hiscox. Huntington High School freshman Lauren Holly and Sarah Biernacki are assisting along with several other high school helpers.
The cast includes 90 students with another 18 attending to stage crew duties. The process began with auditions, which led to students being placed in specific roles. Once the cast was set, rehearsals began.
“The jack-of-all trades, Bert introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family,” according to an online overview of the musical. “Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that ‘Anything can happen if you let it.’”
Shows are set for Thursday, January 31 at 5:30 p.m., Friday, February 1at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Woodhull Intermediate School gym/auditorium. “We are sold out for Saturday’s show, but still have tickets for Thursday and Friday,” Ms. Von Vange said. Send her an email (avonvange@hufsd.edu) if you want to reserve tickets.
This will be the final play directed by both Mr. Hiscox and Ms. VonVange as they are retiring from the drama club after many years at the helm. Ms. VonVange has been involved in the drama club’s annual production for 15 years with Mr. Hiscox’s run stretching nearly 20 years.
Ms. VonVange can’t seem to get the show out of her mind. “It is sure to be ‘practically perfect’ in every way,” she said. Those who are familiar with the musical will get the humor in the longtime director’s comment.