Raue Center for the Arts
Richard F. Bernotas Middle School Raue Center for the Arts
PRESENTS
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's
A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers & the Walt Disney Film
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
Music Director
Mr. Dan Price
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
Backstage Director
Ms. Catherine Plunkett
Choreographed by Malayna Calhoun
Olivia Cangelosi
Paige Kleiner
Meredith Parmele
Ireland Wuehler
Directed by Mrs. Mara Rosenbloom
Student Director
Cadence Diaz
Scenery Director
Mr. Bill Bransley
Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.co.uk • www.mtishows.com • www.mtishows.com.au
Prologue (Chim Chim Cher-ee) Bert
Cherry Tree Lane (Part 1)
Mr. Banks, Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Brill, Robertson Ay
The Perfect Nanny Jane, Michael Banks
Cherry Tree Lane (Part 2)
Practically Perfect
Mr. Banks, Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Brill, Robertson Ay
Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael
Jolly Holiday Bert, Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael
Winds Do Change Bert
A Spoonful of Sugar
Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Robertson Ay, Mrs. Banks
Precision and Order Bankers
A Man Has Dreams George
Feed the Birds
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Mary Poppins, Bird Woman
Mary Poppins, Bert, Mrs. Corry, Jane, Michael
Twists and Turns Bert
Playing the Game
Chim Chim Cher-ee (Reprise)
Mary Poppins, Ensemble
Mary Poppins, Bert 15-minute intermission
Cherry Tree Lane (Reprise)
Mr. Banks, Mrs. Banks, Jane, Michael
Brimstone and Treacle Miss Andrew
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Brimstone and Treacle (Part 2)
Practically Perfect (Reprise)
Step in Time
A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise)
Mary Poppins, Bert, Mrs. Corry, Jane, Michael
Mary Poppins, Miss Andrew
Jane, Michael, Mary Poppins
Bert, Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Ensemble
Mr. Banks, Bert
Anything Can Happen (Part 1) Ensemble
Give Us the Word George
Anything Can Happen (Part 2) Winifred
A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise)/ Finale Ensemble
In order of appearance: F (Friday), M (Matinee), S (Saturday
Bert (F, M) Luca Cangelosi
Bert (S) Bella Costantini
Winifred Banks (F, M) Cadence Diaz - Student Director
Winifred Banks (S) Emma Ramos
Michael (F) Max Hawes
Michael (M, S) Carmen Varney
Jane (F, M) Hanna Huyvaert
Jane (S) Mary Jeffries
Katie Nanna Vivian Rexroat
Mrs. Brill (F) Kylie Gibbons
Mrs. Brill (M, S) Melanie Wolf
Robertson Ay (F, M) Fitch Born
Robertson Ay (S) Ian Buxton
George Banks (F, M) Andrew Eckhardt
George Banks (S) Gavin Sromek
Mary Poppins (F, M act 1) Lauren Gassman
Mary Poppins (M act 2, S) Maddy Januszkiewicz
Neleus Charlotte Jordao
Bird Woman Lily Kashani
Miss Smythe Ella DeSando
Chairman Raina Widhalm
Von Hussler Jessica Hartman
John Northbrook Elise Thorsen
Mrs. Corry Meredith Carey
Miss Andrew (F, M) Adaline Albright
Miss Andrew (S) Brianna Buelow
Policeman Mason Mattick
Chimney Sweep #1 Malayna Calhoun
Chimney Sweep #2 Ireland Wuehler
In order of appearance: F (Friday), M (Matinee), S (Saturday (continued)
Chimney Sweep #3
Chimney Sweep #4
Penelope McGuire
Marienela Reyes Barre
Messenger Elly Comstock Solache
Ensemble
Nathan Adusah
Tristan Anderlik
Alyssa Berenson
Savannah Broscoe
Arianna Faranzena
Adalyn Hopp
Kyra Lancaster
Dereck Mwalongo
Ainsley Santerelli
Elyse Sprague
Brianna Rubio
Olivia Vonao
Crew Members
Stage Manager
Stage Crew
Jaden Schroeder
Grace Andrews
Alex Crane
Wouter Dahlquist
David Denlinger
DJ Garcia
Lola Gregory
Sophia Grindstaff
Bailey Harrison
Molly Hartman
Logan Hornung
Brooklyn Hui
Taylor Hui
Rose Kovarik
Lauren Mattick
Ava Perry
Jori Ramirez
Autumn Rasmussen
Amira Rayappa
Darcy Ruch
Toby Sheridan
Nathan is a 7th grader and is so excited to be in his first musical at Bernotas! He's a proud member of the Ensemble.
Adaline Albright enjoys theater very much and is so happy to be in Mary Poppins as her last Bernotas production. Adaline has always seemed to enjoy plays more than Musicals but, now she loves being in both so much they’re so fun! Adaline has been in I Hate Shakespeare, Wizard of Oz As, and she is Mrs. Andrew in Mary Poppins this year! Adaline has also done other productions like Charolettes Web at CLC as Templeton. She currently is also in Into the Woods. Adaline loves playing all roles and is so thankful for all the opportunities she has gotten in theater! Adaline is in a family of six, with her Cousin Lola being in the crew of Mary Poppins. Adaline has a very supportive family! Adaline is a very bold, outgoing person who loves meeting new people and enjoys singing and dancing and acting so much! She is so grateful that we have Mr. Price,Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mr. Bransley put the Bernotas Production Mary Poppins together! I hope you enjoy the show!
Tristan is 13 years old. This is his second time performing on stage. In sixth grade he saw James and the Gaint peach. He likes acting because he loves to embrace being someone else on stage. He loves his role as a bank teller, and being in the ensemble. He loves animals, learning new things, minecraft, and mythical creatures. He is planning to do more shows in his future. His favorite warm up game was samurai, and He hopes you enjoy the show!
Alyssa is in sixth grade at Bernotas Middle School, but this is not her first show, not at all. She has been in musicals and plays. She plays percussion in band, plays softball, and is so thankful to be in such a great musical with such a dedicated cast! Everyone is so nice and she feels so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet them all! She was cast in the 2020 musical of Annie Jr. during covid 19, she played Molly and Tessa. She was also in plays in 4th & 5th grade. Alyssa is a singer a dancer, an actor a musician, and a songwriter she is a lovely daughter and a very helpful sister. She has had such a blast this year, I can’t wait to see what the next years bring! She is so thankful for her family pushing me to try, and to her dogs for all their support.
Brianna Buelow is super excited to be in the musical this year! She loves the performing arts and many other things. Brianna is in 8th grade and this is her 4th musical she has been a part of and hopes to be in many more. Brianna also loves to play with her pet ferrets, Oreo and Noel, hang out with friends, and play in the lake. Brianna has taken on some new activities this year including baton twirling and volunteering at church in willow kids. Brianna has made many new friends from practices. She always talks about how funny musical practice is and says her lines. She is very excited for you to see it and hopes you enjoy it! :)
Ian is very excited to be in the musical and can't wait for the shows. He looks forward to practice after school everyday and has always loved theater. Ian is in 7th grade but his first musical was in 5th grade. He has done shows from Lion King to Newsies. He likes to read books and play the trumpet but nothing beats being Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins.
Fitch Born is 13 years old and an eighth grader at Bernotas Middle School. Mary Poppins is their first musical. She enjoys acting and singing and musicals such as Heathers and Mean Girls. Their hobbies include rollerblading/skating and biking with their friends. She loves the summer, swimming, and warm weather (and absolutely despises winter). They have had a lot of fun being in Mary Poppins, and are incredibly thankful for all the fun and entertainment their friends have provided them with along the way. They hope you enjoy the show!
Savannah is a 7th grader at Bernotas. She is 12 years old and is excited to be in the ensemble for Mary Poppins. She Was featured in Bernotas’s 2023 show of The Wizard Of Oz as a city mother and munchkin, and has also done 5 other musicals. She enjoys dancing, singing, theater, and seeing her friends. She has danced for 3 years. She can’t wait for the show. Enjoy the show!
Malayna is a 7th grader at Bernotas and this is her first musical with RBMS. She's enjoyed choreographing 2 of the dance numbers as well!
Luca Cangelosi is a music fanatic and loves broadway and indie music. At the sight of a musical going on, he jumped for the opportunity to join. Luca plays Bert and is very attached to the character. He is in 8th grade and is 13 years old, and he says that he hopes you enjoy the show.
Meredith plays Mrs.Corry and this is her 13th musical. In her last musical, she played Belle in beauty and the beast. Meredith has been in the musicals Willy Wonka, High School Musical, Annie, Suessical (twice), Moana, Frozen, Matilda, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Shreck, and now Marry Poppins. She loves to sing and play soccer. She loves working with all of her cast-mates and working on choreography and songs. Meredith cannot wait to continue her musical carrer. In her free time, Meredith enjoys reading, watching TV, hanging out with friends, and playing with her dogs. Meredith enjoys math out of all of the subjects in school and loves art, and facs. Meredith’s favorite scenes are Suercalifragilisticexpialidious, Brimstone And Treakle (Part 2), and the Prolouge. Meredith wants to thank her friends and family for this amazing opportunity that she has. Meredith can’t wait for you to sit back and enjoy the show!
Eliana is a 12 year old student at bernotas in 6th grade who has always loved dance,singing and activities of that sort this is her 1st musical and it's been so fun her favorite thing to work on choreography.She plans to continue doing musicals she like drawing in her free time and she likes playing games she goes on bike rides all the time and enjoys them a lot.She has explored many sports but her most liked ones are dance and tumbling she has 3 geckos and 1 snake.She likes hearing about stories.She is very talkative and loves telling her parents about what happened at school that day she is pretty passionate about her grades and school.She likes
Bella Costantini is a 7th grader here at Bernotas, who plays the role Bert in this year’s musical Mary Poppins Jr! She would like to thank both directors, Mr. Price and Mrs. Rosenbloom, our set and crew directors Mr. Bransley & Ms. Plunkett, the set crew themselves, the cast, and especially you! Have a great time and enjoy the show!
Ella DeSando is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle School. Even at a young age, Ella loved acting and singing her favorite songs. Mary Poppin’s Jr. is Ella’s second musical. Ella plays the role of Miss Smythe, the Chairman's assistant, in this year's production. In last year's play, Ella played the role of Balerina three in the lullaby league. In her free time, Ella loves to read, paint, and do sports such as soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Ella would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom for being a fantastic director, teacher, and overall fun person to be with, Mr. Price for helping with music and making funny jokes, and Ms. Plunkett for making beautiful costumes and and art sets that bring the play to life. Lastly Ella would like to thank her parents and siblings for being very supportive and helpful during the weeks of the musical. Ella loves this show and hopes you will enjoy it too.
Andrew Eckhardt is so happy to be in this performance and work with even more of his friends. This is Andrew's second performance ever and he is very excited because he got the role of George Banks who is the father of Jane and Micheal. George is supposed to be a very grumpy old mean guy which Andrew is very excited to get to portray and act as. This is Andrew's second year going to richard bernotas middle school and he enjoys it very much. He loves to play video games in his off time and he loves to play basketball and tennis. Andrew is very excited for this performance and is looking forward to another performance next year at Bernotas.
Arianna Farenzena is grateful to be a part of this wonderful 2024 cast of Mary Poppins, Jr! She has always been a singer at heart and is excited for the opportunity to shine on stage with so many outstanding cast members. Arianna is also a proud swimmer at Dolphin Swim Club, and she loves the ocean as well. She has also been in Glacier Ridge’s The Lion King and Bethany Lutherin’s The Little Mermaid. Arianna has been a teacher of the Bernotas Ukulele Club for two years. Arianna is currently in the Bernotas Choir, National Junior Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting and believing in her, Mrs. Rosenbloom, and Mr. Price for being great directors and crew because the show could not have gone on without them.
Lauren is an 8th grade student at Bernotas. An avid actress and singer, she is a passionate theater student. She has starred in RBMS drama productions for 3 years, her roles being Cheerleader in I Hate Shakespeare!, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She has also been a part of Joseph and the Amazin Technicolor Dreamcoat at CLS, and has done minor roles in other shows. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, archery, spending time with her friends, and being creative. She thanks Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mr. Price, her directors for all of the time and effort they put into making these productions happen. She also thanks her family for their unwavering love and support in her thespian dreams. Lastly, her appreciation goes to Cadence Diaz for her enthusiasm, encouragement and once-in-a-lifetime friendship. Without her, this show would not be possible. Lauren wishes you a wonderful experience as you are transported into the musical and magical world of Mary Poppins!
Jessie is proud to be a member of the 2024 production of Mary poppins. Her roles vary from the shady german buisnessman, Von hussler, to the park people and shoppers of the town. This is the 3rd musical she has been in, and when she is not on stage she is playing volleyball with her teammates, kayaking up in the north woods with her 70 lb pittie, or skateboarding in her neighborhood. She loves going on trails with her 2 dogs and swimming and boating at her lakehouse. She hopes you enjoy the show and cant wait for opening night.
Hanna is an 8th grade student at Bernotas Middle School.She loved being in the production of Mary Poppins and is so grateful for all the people who have helped her along the way, her friends, family, Mrs.Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, as well as Mrs.Plunkett and Mr. Bransley. She would also like to say a special thank you to her amazing older sisters who helped her grow and always supported her.She cant wait to go to high school and further her stage presence.
Kylie is an 8th grader at Bernotas Middle School, this is her third year being in the school’s production. This is her third musical, previously being in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” She hopes to be in Drama in high school. Kylie is thankful for her mother, who suffered through hours of practicing lines and songs with her. Have a great show!
Max is so excited to be performing today she looks forward to practicing everyday and can't wait for you to see this year's Mary Poppins Jr . The musical cast has worked so hard this year to make the musical perfect! Thank you so much for watching today, enjoy!
Adalyn Hopp is so excited to be in the play this year! She is a sixth grader at Bernotas Middle School and is 11 years old. Adalyn has always loved singing, acting, and dancing. In the past, she has also been in a few other productions. She was in the 2020 Beauty and the Beast Jr play as Ensemble in fifth grade. She has also been in other small productions. Adalyn loves singing, dancing, playing basketball, drawing, playing volleyball, and shopping. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends and family and play with her two dogs. Adalyn is on the ALL IN volleyball team and also enjoys the swim team and basketball. Adalyn would like to thank her family for always being supportive, and she would also like to thank her encouraging and hardworking cast. Adalyn is so grateful for the opportunity to be in this play and can't wait to see what comes next!
Januszkiewicz as Mary Poppins (M act 2, S)
Maddy Januszkiewicz is so excited for the opportunity to be Mary Poppins in this year's RBMS drama production! She loves theater with all her heart and is so happy to be able to share it with her community. Maddy has been in over 9 musicals, and her favorite roles so far have been Mal in Descendants, Glinda in Wizard of Oz, and Mary Poppins! Maddy is an eighth grader and just turned 14. She wants to thank her parents, Mrs Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and the wonderful student director Cadence for all their hard work and hopes you enjoy the show!
Mary Jeffries is a seventh grader at Berntoas Middle School who got the role of Jane Banks in the musical Mary Poppins. Mary has performed on a stage since she was three, with things like ballet, plays, and musicals. Mary now does swimming in her free time, and she is on the YMCA Pirannahs swim team. She is very excited to be in the musical this year and would like to thank everyone who has helped make this musical come to life.
Charlotte is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle School, and plays the role of Neleus.
LilyKashani is in 6th grade and loves singing and dancing. She was the feather duster in the Beauty and the Beast play in 5th grade. She plays softball in her free time and likes to do tricks on the trampoline. She is very sweet and fairly pretty. If you see her, make sure you give her some tuppence. She is also good friends with the policeman. Cheerio!
Kyra Lancaster is 13 years old and an 8th grader at Bernotas Middle School. This is Kyra’s second play and she is ecstatic to be playing Ensemble. Kyra is a straight-A student who is very hard-working and committed to her studies and after-school activities. Kyra would like to thank Mrs Rosenbloom, Mrs Plunkett and Mr Price for the amazing opportunities they have given to her. Kyra would also like to thank her family for supporting her through the play. She hopes you enjoy the play and the hard work we all put into this production.
Mason M is a first time actor from Lakewood, IL. He likes all kinds of things from planes, trains, and automobiles, to history and geography. He always has a random interesting fact ready and always treats others with kindness. The Bird woman and Policeman are great friends, as one patrols the park and the other feeds the birds. As the Policeman, he patrols the neighborhood around Cherry Tree Lane and the park. You can find him whenever the setting is outside!Look for him after the show and say hello, he’ll appreciate it! “See you there, and Hi-ball!”
Penelope McGuire is a seventhgrader at Bernotas, and she is soexcited to be a part of this year'smusical Mary Poppins Junior. Shewould like to thank the directors,crew members, and cast membersfor all the world they have put intoour musical and she hopes youenjoy the show!
Dereck is 11 and is so exited for this Musical. This is his first show so he is really exited to perform on stage for the first time.
Emma is super excited and grateful to be in this musical; the first musical she has ever done was Shrek the Musical Jr., so this is only her second one! Emma is a sixth grader who loves musicals, singing, and dancing. Emma enjoys singing backstage with her cast mates and has sung ever since she could talk. Two years ago she saw the musical 42nd Street and Central High School. After seeing that show, she was inspired to do musicals herself! Emma is so thrilled to be in this show and is happy that she has been able to share this wonderful experience with all of you. I hope you Enjoy the show!!!
Brianna Natiala Rubio, I’am a ensemble in Mary Popins Jr. I am very excited to be part of the cast. This is my first time being in a play. I look forward to joining more in the future. My favorite subjects in school are Art, Spanish class, PE. I am looking forward to the future to work on my goal of getting a leadrole.
Vivian is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle School and plays Katie Nanna.
Ainsley is a kind and energetic girl. She’s been in Woods Creeks High School Musical Jr. and RBMS wizard of oz. Ainsley’s favorite part is learning all the songs and dances along with all the new friends. She is so excited for you to see it.
Ellie Sprague is very excited to be in the musical Marry Poppins. Ellie has done many acting camps and shows which she has loved. Ellie has always loved singing, dancing and especially acting. She is a 7th grade student at Bernotas middle school and enjoys playing soccer, playing basketball, and hanging out with her friends. Ellie is so glad to be part of such an awesome cast and show. She can not wait for her next year at Bernotas and doing the musicals.
13 year old Gavin Sromek is very thrilled and honored to be George Banks in this year's production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” Last year, he was in the 2023 RBMS production of “The Wizard Of Oz,” and was a member of the crew. In fifth grade, he was also part of the crew in “The Lion King” musical. This is Gavin’s first year being part of a cast for any musical or play. In his free time, Gavin likes to play baseball, listen to music and play the guitar. He wants to thank Mr. Price and Mrs. Rosenbloom for the great production this year. Enjoy the show!
Elise is a 13 year old girl in 7th grade. This her 10th production she been in her favorites have been Newsies and the Wizard Of Oz. Her hobbies outside of theader consists of art, softball, and hanging out with her friends. She is very excited to be playing John Nothbrook in Marry Poppins Jr.
Carmen Varney is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle School. In the musical, Mary Poppins Jr. She plays the Role of Michael Banks. She is honored and overjoyed to be a part of this years cast. Carmen enjoys coming to rehearsal and making memories every day with others in the cast. Outside of musical rehearsal she enjoys playing soccer, playing the clarinet, and hanging out with her friends. Mary Poppins Jr. will be Carmen's 5th musical that she has been involved in. Carmen would like to thank Mr. Price, Ms. Rosembloom, Ms. Plunkett, and Mr. Bransley for running the whole show as well as directing songs and building sets.Carmen would like to say a special thank you to Cadence Diaz who is not only a spectacular student director, but also an amazing friend. Carmen hope’s that you all enjoy the show!
Olyvia is a 14 year old 8th grader that is very silly and is obsessed with cows. Also loves hanging out with friends.
Raina is a 7th grader at Benotas Middle School, and she is very excited to be a part of this year's production, Mary Poppins Jr. Along with Mary Poppins, Raina has participated in the Wizard of Oz, The dick van dyk show, Shrek Jr, willy wonka jr, victorious, and On Broadway jr. She enjoys playing soccer, participating in jazz band, and playing trombone. Raina is thrilled to be a part of this year's production.
Ellie Wilson is an eighth grader at Bernotas Middle School and is in the ensemble. This is her second musical at Bernotas, and some of her hobbies include singing in her boy band, meeting the president, saving Gotham, and skydiving. And her biggest thanks goes to her Dad for always being by her side.
Melanie is very excited to be playing Mrs. Brill in RBMS’s production of Mary Poppins. She is in 8th grade and has loved theater for a very long time. Some of the shows she has been in include The Wizard of Oz, I Hate Shakespeare, Singin’ in the Rain, High School Musical, Aladdin, and a few more. Melanie would like to thank the directors, choreographers, and student director for all of their hard work. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their support. Enjoy the show!
Ireland is thrilled to be a part of this year’s production, Mary Poppins. She is an 8th grader at Bernotas and is 14 years old. She has worked very hard this year to make it special, as it is her very last production at Bernotas. She has been dancing for 11+ years, but she has only ever been in two shows. She greatly appreciates Malayna Calhoun, her co-choreographer, for being there and helping her a lot. She is also grateful for Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, Mrs. Plunkett, and Mr. Bransley for making all of this happen and creating a fun environment to be in. She hopes you enjoy this RBMS production, Mary Poppins.
Emma is a 6th grader at Bernotas and is excited for her first middle school musical! She plays Chimney Sweep #4 and loves performing!
Jaden is excited to be a part of her fifth stage production, and fourth musical!While she has always been onstage, she is honored to remain backstage this year as the Stage Manager.Jaden is extremely grateful to Mr. Bransley for mentoring her as she takes on this “role” in Mary Poppins, Jr!She is thankful for the crew following her direction, even if she is bossy.Jaden appreciates Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs. Plunkett for making her final production at Bernotas memorable.Jaden is in eighth grade this year and looking forward to moving on to high school, but knows she will miss the awesome directors that are Bernotas Drama!
Mrs. Rosenbloom is honored to be a part of such a phenomenal production, and is thankful for such a dedicated and motivated cast. In the past, she has been part of productions from elementary school on, and began directing shows at Bernotas in 2015. Mrs. Rosenbloom is one of the Spanish teachers here at Bernotas, as well as a consummate nerd, tech geek, craft-lover, wife, mom to a small human, and fur-parent. She would like to thank Mr. Price, Mrs. Plunkett, & Mr. Bransley for being such a patient and wonderful team for this year’s play, her husband for his support, her daughter Kira for the enthusiastic sing-alongs, and the amazing cast, crew, and drama grown-ups!
Mr. Price is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful Musical, and has had so much fun working with these students. In the past, he has directed Musicals and programs in Elementary School, Middle School and High School. Mr. Price is the Music teacher and Choir Director at Bernotas and oversees the music aspect of the program. He has a beautiful family, many of which are also involved in music. Mr. Price is very excited to work with Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mrs. Plunkett because they are amazing at what they do. Thank you to all the volunteers that were helping along the way. None of this could be possible without every hand that helped.
Catherine Plunkett is the art teacher at Bernotas. She lives in Crystal Lake and loves working with students. She has lost track of the number of plays she's done!
Bill has been involved in theater for over 50 years with the Wizard of Oz being his first play as an eighth grader.He enjoys acting on stage but truly loves being behind the scenes building sets.He especially enjoys helping younger people learn new skills. He appreciates the opportunity to be doing Oz again. Break a leg cast and crew!
Cadence Diaz is an 8th grader at Bernotas Middle School who is performing as Winifred Banks in this year's production. Cadence has performed in numerous shows before, She has played the Genie, in Aladdin. Paris/Narrator, I Hate Shakespeare. Narrator, A Christmas Carol. Cowardly Lion, The Wizard Of Oz. Elfonzo, The disturbing disappearance of St. Nickolas, and Ensemble at a Raue Center summer intensive. Cadence has also had the honor to get the opportunity to be this year's student director. Cadence would like to give the biggest thanks to Mrs.Rosenbloom who has given her so many amazing opportunities through the years. This show would not be possible without her and Mr. Price. She would like to thank all of you for being here tonight and hopes you will enjoy the show.
A special thanks to these D47 alumni for stepping in to choreograph dance numbers in our show! They are all currently juniors at Crystal Lake South, members of the dance team, and performed in the CLS musical Matilda.
It was a sunny day on April 19, 2023. We had just finished an exhausting week of tech rehearsals (and tornado drills!) for Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Price and I had gone out for a quick dinner before our actors' opening night call.
"So this has been pretty great, huh?"
"Yup, pretty amazing!"
"So... next year..."
"I'm in if you're in!"
And so, Musical 2024 was started, even though we were going to "just do one and see how it goes."
So here we are again! This year was less terrifying, but just as amazing of an experience directing these remarkable actors. The sheer talent and dedication of these students never ceases to amaze us on a daily basis. They go to school all day, succeed in their classes, play musical instruments, play sports, and still have the energy to give it their all in rehearsals.
We chose Mary Poppins with the hope that it would showcase our wonderful students in the best way possible. There are no animal costumes, no munchkins or jitterbugs, just costumed actors doing what they do best.
And of course, since we do nothing small in our drama department, the Raue Center stage and theater were home after months of rehearsal in the RBMS Gym. Ms. Plunkett and Mr. Bransley went above and beyond with our costumes and set, managing a huge stage crew. With the help of the Prairie Ridge Theater Department and their generous loan of set pieces, Crystal Lake became 1910s London!
It often felt as though Mr. Price and I had one job:just let our actors do their thing (and press "play" on our sound cues). They did all the work. We just gave them the stage to do it the best they could.
Thank you for supporting your students, and allowing us to help them become supercalifragilisticexpialidocious supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
This year's production was a combined effort of dozens of students, staff, parents, and community members. This production took an insane amount of learning, practicing, timing, and more practicing.
A very special thanks goes to:
•The RBMS Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students for their help and support
• Mr. Bransley for stepping in and creating the most incredible sets! He took our loose ideas and transported us to 1910 London. We truly cannot thank him enough!
• David Jensen and the theater department at Prairie Ridge High School; we could not have created our scenery without you and your resources!
• Ireland & Malayna for going above and beyond usual musical cast expectations to choreograph 2 of our dance numbers!
• Olivia, Paige, and Meredithfor our choreography, because Mrs. Rosenbloom has 2 left feet!
•The drama grown-ups, for your endless support, cooperation, rides, snacks, and tolerance of line and song repetition!
• The Buelow Family for their endless help and organization of donations and advertisements!
•The crew at the Raue Center for helping us bring our spectacle to life.
• The D47 Elementary Schools for supporting us and allowing us to perform our dress rehearsals for them!
• C & P Custom Printing for our FABULOUS merch
• Brianat the UPS store for the donation of all our printing
• RBMS P.E. department for loaning us your space for our rehearsals and production
• RBMS custodial staff for your patience and cooperation
• Our families at home, who were without us through our rehearsal process...we couldn't have done this without you!
