Performances of “Mary Poppins,” an enchanting musical that mixes an irresistible story with unforgettable songs and dance numbers is being brought to Straughn Auditorium on the Mansfield University campus by Hamilton-Gibson Productions at 7:30 p.m. this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 13, 14 and 15  and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” is based on books written by Pamela Lyndon Travers and the classic Walt Disney film released 59 years ago on Aug. 27, 1964 starring Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke as Bert. 

This musical delighted Broadway audiences and received nominations for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

The original production opened in November 2006 and closed in March 2013, after 2,619 performances. Touring and international productions followed. 

Set in London, England in 1910, young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she teaches not only the children but also their parents how to value each other again. 

“We have a strong and talented cast of 28,” said Director Thomas Putnam. Before the auditions, I was frankly a bit concerned about whether we’d be able to get a cast like this. We had a great turnout for auditions and ended up with a group that not only works well together, but also works very hard to get things right.”

After the auditions, I fell, had surgery to repair my knee and have been in recovery since. That hasn’t allowed me to be as involved as director. I  am so grateful to each of these cast members who have stepped up and made this all happen.”

Sarah Duterte is our Mary Poppins. She has been in several HG shows that I’ve directed from ‘Grand Horizons’ to ‘Almost Maine,’ ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time,’ and ‘Proof.’ Last summer she had a role in the musical ‘Animal Crackers.’ I knew she could act, but had never really heard her sing on her own. When she auditioned it was clear she was ready to take Mary Poppins on.

“Alex Dell appeared for auditions for ‘Grand Horizons’ last fall. Alex has appeared in a few shows with Elmira Little Theatre but I had never seen him perform. I didn’t know he could sing until the auditions. He has the charm and wit and whimsy that Bert requires. He is so comfortable on stage that he boosts all the other actors’ confidence.”

Adailya Shourds-Dalton and Collin Hoke are the two youngsters that play the Banks children. “They are on stage more than any other character, even Mary Poppins,” said Putnam. “I was delighted when Adailya auditioned. I had worked with her in our winter theatre arts camp for kids, which produced ‘Cats.’  She, too, is completely comfortable on stage.

“I had heard about Collin Hoke and his role in Cowaneque Valley High School’s production of ‘Matilda’ this spring. More than a few people commented on what a great job he did in that production. He just completed sixth grade. Both of these kids have strong singing voices. We didn’t have to coax them into a British accent; they came to the first rehearsal sounding like they were from London,” Putnam said.

“Julie Martin demonstrated the grace and charm of Mrs. Banks during auditions. She has a lovely voice and gets to sing one of the most beautiful tunes in the show. This is her first show with us; she has worked with other companies in Pennsylvania.

“Matt Huels has been a part of HG for quite a while, including a number of years with the HG Youth Choir. He has been a solid chorus member in a number of shows. I loved having him as King Arthur’s coconut-clapping sidekick to King Arthur in ‘Spamalot.’ More recently he was in ‘Into the Breeches’ and last summer’s ‘Animal Crackers.’

“A number of smaller roles are played by members of the chorus. They have worked incredibly hard on both the singing (directed by Natalie Holsey) and the dancing (directed by Taylor Nickerson.) It’s wonderful to see what Natalie and Taylor can do with a group of dedicated people in just five short weeks,” Putnam said.

Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for those 18 and under. Order tickets at hgp.booktix.com or by calling 570-724-2079 with credit card information. 

Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning an hour before each performance. 

For more information about the show, call 570-724-2079 or email hamgib@gmail.com.