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SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka will stage six performances of the classic musical, Mary Poppins, from November 16 to 19 at the Winnetka Community House.
BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Now into its 50th year, which it will celebrate next May, the Children’s Theatre of Winnetka (CTW) will see Mary Poppins and her umbrella fly onto the CTW stage in November for a run at the Winnetka Community House.
The popular, Tony Award-winning musical, based on the book by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features an irresistible story, classic songs, dance numbers, and top-notch stagecraft.
The production is directed by CTW’s Artistic Director Aaron Umsted, who has a personal connection with Mary Poppins
“I was a part of the First National Tour of the Broadway production, and I actually joined the show while they were performing at the Cadillac Palace in downtown Chicago,” Umsted says. “So, I know the musical very well and have a deep connection to it as a fan and as an artist.”
The show has two casts of 45 children each, so it allows for 90 kids to be on stage. Umsted says he wanted to be a part of creating a production that would leave a sense of wonder, joy, and inspiration in the hearts of those who experience it.
“The opportunity to be part of a production that could create such a positive impact on this community was a major driving factor for me,” Umsted says. “The audience goes on the journey right along with Mary, Bert, and the Banks family.”
The cast features 4th through 8th graders from communities and villages that feed into New Trier High School. During the rehearsal process some are being trained on using harnesses to give the appearance they are flying.
Lee Kahn, one of 25 volunteer board members for CTW and whose daughter is in the production, has attended a few rehearsals and says the show will provide quality entertainment. He has a family connection to the production, but he also appreciates being part of the Children’s Theatre community.
“My daughter is one of the actresses. She’s been in three [CTW] shows. Just seeing the community of friends she’s built and how well this organization is run is great,” Kahn says. “And the director is an absolute phenomenon. He’s a person that has a gift for making things fun but also holding kids accountable for being good and strong and confident.”
Kahn was involved as a parent for the first shows his daughter performed in and was soon nominated for a role the board. Though his daughter will be done next year he’ll stay on the board due to the length of his term.
“I’ll still be part of it just because I think it’s that important. It’s a wonderful, wonderful program,” he says.
As for the Mary Poppins production, Kahn says he’s been impressed with the children’s commitment to put on a quality show.
“These kids are working on this three days a week, sometimes four,” he says. “ I can’t speak for 90 kids, but I can speak for my daughter and the other kids in our carpool. They just love it.”
To purchase tickets ($18 each) to any of the performances or to get more information, visit childrenstheatrewinnetka.com or call the Community House at 847-446-0537.
