A note from a producer:
This classic story holds a special place in my heart, like it does for so many. When we played “Spoonful of Sugar” during last year’s Memorial Day Parade and I saw the community along the parade route react, I knew that we would make something magical this year.
Growing up, it wasn’t unusual for my sisters and I to have our VHS recording of Disney’s Mary Poppins in the tape re-winder whirling back to the beginning so that Julie Andrews could sing for us again. During our first table-read, when Mary Poppins asked, “But who looks after the fathers when things go wrong?” it struck me: Mary Poppins has just as much to say to the grown-ups as she does to the children. It’s easy to forget the magic of play and spontaneity in the adult world, as work and other responsibilities become priorities in your life. Celebrating the growth and success of our kids is the medicine that keeps all of us going.
This story is a reminder to all of us that hope remains, love endures, and “anything can happen if you let it.”
I believe that the production staff would agree with me that this season was hardly “practically perfect”, especially with the news that my co-producer and our vocal director Jessica Vaughan was diagnosed with breast cancer. It takes a massive team of volunteers countless hours of effort and dedication to put on a production of this size, but Jessica has undoubtedly been our north star for the past several years. While she jokingly told us she couldn’t drive the bus this season, she has continued to support us brilliantly from behind the scenes.
The fuel in our tank this year has been watching our cast members "measure up." This program is a legacy I am honored to continue. Watching our cast members find confidence in themselves, develop new skills, and grow over the years is a reward we enjoy behind the scenes. Thank you to our production team, thank you to our Lakeview community, and thank you to my friends and family for all of your support.
With this team, every production becomes a “jolly holiday” while we collaborate to bring these stories to life! I am so proud of every member of our production team and the countless hours they have dedicated to making this program a success. As a mom, I am also so proud of my son for always pouring 110% of his best effort into everything he does.
We often tell our cast that “love is effort,” and the love and effort of this community shine brighter than any stage light. Thank you for joining us on Cherry Tree Lane. We hope that our performance lifts you up like a kite!
Many thanks, sincerely,
Madison Cooper
Lakeview Community Theatre Guild
