Capital City Players is producing what director Rob Crouse said is one of the most difficult shows they have attempted.
"Mary Poppins: The Musical" is a very technical show with challenging aspects.
Crouse said, as a stage show, they don't have the computer techniques used in the movie to create the magic Poppins performs for the children so they have had to collaborate and come up with ways to show this.
Also, there are approximately 40 members in the cast and each have three to four costumes, posing a large task for Catherine Jones and costume crew. The costumes even include dancing penguins.
Crouse said it is a multi-set show and with the small amount of wing space in the auditorium, this too has posed difficulties.
He feels the magic tricks, such as pulling lamps out of a carpet bag, and a kitchen wall that collapses and then comes back when Mary Poppins snaps her fingers, will be fun for the audience.
"Many people will identify with the movie version, but in the stage version, there are more large musical production numbers," Crouse said.
LuAnn Madsen and Stephanie Bise as choreographers are responsible for staging these numbers.
Another fun part of the show is Mary Poppins actually flying on stage.
"We have contracted with a national company that comes in to set up the necessary equipment and then teaches locals how to fly people. They will spend four days with us to teach Branden Bise, who is supervising the flying team of Alec Bise and Jach Bise," Crouse said.
The cast includes veterans of the group and many first-time performers.
Mr. and Mrs. Banks are played by Alan Bailey and Kit Meyer. The Banks children are played by Andrea Baker and Garrett Boyce. Mary Poppins is played by Tori Stepanek and Burt is played by Josh Lehto.
Musical director is Brandon Sankpill, and he is using a musical track. Kathleen Lavery is assistant director/production manager.
"We are anxious about the two weeks before the show because we won't be able to see many of the special effects until then and we hope everything works," Crouse said.
The group is also using a dialect coach, Paula Cavanaugh, to make sure the British accents are realistic.
"This show is so much fun and the audiences will really enjoy the many wonderful musical numbers and effects," Crouse said. "It is also very difficult because it has so many aspects such as the large production numbers, the special effects, the magic tricks and the flying. For this reason I would say it is the most difficult show we have produced."
At a glance
What: "Mary Poppins: The Musical," presented by Capital City Players.
When: 6:30 p.m. June 11-13, 18-20; 12:30 p.m. matinees on June 14, 21.
Where: Shikles Auditorium in Jefferson City.
Tickets: $35 for show and dinner catered by Argyle Catering; 681-9012 or capitalcityplayers.com