Good day and welcome to Bridgeport High School Theater’s production of Disney and Cameron McIntosh’s Mary Poppins. This show is delightful and magical. When the idea to produce this show was discussed, my production team was fully on board. It’s a fun show for theatre lovers of all ages to enjoy. Magic, mystery, great songs, exciting dancing. We knew the students would be excited for this show. However, I underestimated just how excited the students of BHS and BMS would be. We held auditions during the first week of school. We had over 70 students audition and another 20+ show up excited to join our tech crew.
Admittedly, I am a sucker for students that want to be involved with theatre. Perhaps I am a pushover, but I don’t like deciding who gets the chance to stay and play and who gets cut. As a director, that would be my job, but as an educator, I know that you can’t learn how to do something if you don’t get to try. For that reason, I have made it my priority to give every interested student a chance. There are so many different parts that have to come together to bring a play to life, that I truly believe there is room for everyone. So, we started our journey to put on a show including all 97 students who wanted to be involved.
Some may think I’m a Saint. Some may believe I’m crazy and that I’ve taken on too much. But as Mary Poppins says “Anything can happen if you let it”. And so, we moved forward on the journey with our largest group to date. We did it knowing that “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun”. We created, rehearsed, sang, danced, acted, built, and grew until we found there is more that feels like fun than work. In the end, we have taken a team if strangers and have turned them into family. And our little theater family has created beautiful piece or art to share with you.
Nothing is impossible, especially if you have a team that is willing to try anything. Our production team at BHS theatre is family. I could not do my job without any element of our team. I want each member of my team to know that I appreciate you with all my being. You all work so hard. I love making art with you. Thank you for being a part of my family.
This production had something else that was magical. I had the joy of working with one of the hardest working tech crews I have ever seen. They helped to create over 25 set pieces, 210 costumes, and nearly 400 props! No one works harder than a theater techie and these students are living proof, of that. Each of you are amazing and I love your drive, your talents, and your enthusiasm. You have helped to make this production special, and you deserve as much praise and recognition our actors.
Of course, no production can be successful without the support of our students’ parents. Thank you to everyone that has helped in any way with our production. You have all stepped up in some way by volunteering to build set, make props, sew, work fundraisers, raise money, make, or donate food and water or transporting your students to and from rehearsals or just by allowing them to share their talents with us. Your commitment to your student’s experience here has helped our show come together successfully. Thank you for all you do!
Finally, at the end of the day, none of us could be here without you, our audience. Your experience is one of the reasons why we do what we do. Please take this moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic that Mary Poppins brings to you today. May this show leave you with the joy of a child and an appreciation of the hard work of the many hands that have created this art before you.
