"Step in Time" to GVT's 2018 Spring Musical

Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, is proud to present the Youth Education Program’s production of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR., a musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. The play features original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, book by Julian Fellowes; new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe; co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and adapted by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald. This Disney favorite will run March 15 - 24 at 7:00 p.m. with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performance on March 14 at 7:00 p.m. and matinee performance on March 18 at 2:00 p.m.

 Lillie King, who will be portraying the title character in GVT’s 2018 Youth Education production of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Photo Courtesy / Greenbrier Valley Theatre)

The “practically perfect” Mary Poppins takes the stage to bring magic and whimsy to the unhappy Banks family. Featuring classic songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Practically Perfect,” and “A Spoonful of Sugar,” this 60-minute production stars over 30 local students and is appropriate for all audiences.

The joy of performing and being onstage is one of the many things that bring all of these talented and enthusiastic young actors together. For Lillie King, who will be portraying the title character, the experience has been powerful and moving. King grew up with Mary Poppins. In fact, it was the first show she ever saw on Broadway.

"It feels almost surreal to be playing such an iconic character because I've grown up watching Julie Andrews play Mary, and being able to portray her on stage is just incredible," the young actor said.

Appearing alongside King is Will Sarver, who will be playing many different roles throughout the production. While Sarver himself is new to this childhood classic, he's very excited to get on stage and bring the show to life. Throughout the entire rehearsal process he's found he enjoys dancing the most, especially "Step in Time" because of its energy and fun.

 Will Sarver, who will be playing multiple roles in GVT’s 2018 Youth Education production of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Photo Courtesy / Greenbrier Valley Theatre)

Both actors agree that this show is full of joy. With beautiful songs, a positive message for children and adults, and characters everyone can relate to, this show brings laughter and happiness to any audience.

"If you were going to see a play just to have fun this would be the one to see," Sarver said.

GVT’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. also features: Stella Baldwin, Ella Bowes, Sophie Bowes, Rebekah Burke, Addyson Carr, Ella Carr, Christina Cullen, Ashleigh Darnell, Lily Dense, Georgia Foster, Jackson Hefner, Sarah Jones, Shaylen Lafferty, Kaelin Maro, Cecilia Mason, Skylar McCallister, Emarya Montgomery, Revanna Preston, Delaney Redden, Tiffany Redden, Lauren Rodgers, Khalil Samuels, Sam Snyder, Boglarka Szalai, Mackenzie Taylor, Jameson Vance, Emma Vass, Ryan Vaughan, Zenya Walters, B’Launa Westmoreland, Jed White, Ali Wills and Blaine Yates. Grace Johnson and Andrea Miller will work behind-stage as Assistant Stage Managers.

This family favorite will run March 15 - 24 at 7:00 p.m. with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performance on March 14 at 7:00 p.m. and matinee performance on March 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for seniors and $11 for children/students. For tickets or more information, call GVT’s Box Office at 304-645-3838 or visit www.gvtheatre.org. This program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture & History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.