Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins makes its debut
at the Springfield
Municipal Opera
Springfield, IL – June
22, 2017 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) continues
its 2017 season with Disney and Cameron
Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, sponsored by UCB and Illini Bank, and directed
by Craig Williams II. Poppins makes
its debut on The Muni stage on Friday, June 30. The production will run June
30-July 2 and July 5-9. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.
“Mary Poppins is a tricky production filled with magic, flight,
larger than life people and a giant set,” said Williams II. “Just around every
corner a surprise awaits the audience, reminding them of their favorite story.”
In Mary Poppins,
jack-of-all trades, Bert (Andrew Maynerich) introduces us to England in 1910
and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane (Madigan Sweeney) and Michael (Cooper
Coker) have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins (Mary Kate Smith)
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.”
Mary Poppins premiered on Broadway in 2006. The musical features
songs from the Disney movie classic (released in 1964): “Spoonful of Sugar,”
“Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Poppins was
nominated for several Tony awards in 2007, including Best Musical and Best
Choreography, and winning Best Scenic Design.
“Mary Poppins is one of my all-time favorite characters and
stories,” said Smith. “These classic themes of the importance of family and
caring for one another are timeless, and this show is a great way to introduce
them to our youngest generation.” Smith was last seen on The Muni stage in Les
Miserables in 2013 as Fantine.
Williams II, who directed Disney’s
Little Mermaid at The Muni last year says the Poppins cast is a great mix
of talent. “Our cast is filled with many experienced Springfield favorites as
well as some new faces, which are just as exciting to see. From learning to
spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to dancing from rooftops, I think this
Disney classic will have something for everyone,” said Williams II.
The Muni will feature free, special activities before the show
every night from 7-8 p.m. On Family Night on Wednesday, July 5, ticket prices
for children are $10 for a
Reserved seat and $5 for the General Admission section. Throughout the
run, two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and
General Admission (lawn seating.) The price of Reserved Seating is $17 or $15,
and for General Admission is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for children 12 and
under.
Additionally, Thursday, July 6 is Senior Night. On Senior Night,
ticket prices for seniors are reduced to $12 for Reserved Seating and $9 for
General Admission. A Senior Shuttle Bus Service, sponsored by the King’s
Daughters Organization, will also run on Senior Night.
An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled
for Sunday, July 2.
Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased in advance online – www.TheMuni.org – or by calling or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium Box Office at
217-793-MUNI (6864.) Patrons can also purchase Reserved Seating and General
Admission tickets on-site at The Muni’s Box Office, which opens 90 minutes
prior to curtain time.
About The Muni
The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit
theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition,
providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50
years. Located at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is
one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation.
For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.
