What a show! The pieces of the puzzle were vast and complicated. The crew and cast opened their hearts and their minds and rose to the challenge of such an adventurous work of art to pull together.
The story of Mary Poppins has touched all of us at one time in our lives. We were raised on the classic Julie Andrews and Dick VanDyke’s smiles, voices and graceful movements as stuff our dreams of theater were born from. The books by Pamela Lyndon Travers ring in our hearts. They took us outside ourselves and helped us find compassion for others and remind us to connect with our families. I hope that we have brought a small connection to you with this show.
How to help people understand what a very difficult show this is to pull together is beyond my capabilities....but what a team we had to make this happen. First let’s thank the Theater Arts Association Booster Club board; for without their support this show would not have been able to happen. Thank you to our Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Smith and Principle, Dr. Robert O’Donnell for standing by us the whole way.
Undying gratitude to the production team that pulled together to support the crew and cast. Having worked with Kevin Slater for over 20 years has been a gift all to itself. Getting to know Kathryn these last few years has given me a new sister in the arts and in life. You are the glue of the family we have made here at WHS. Love the creative mind of Christian and how excited he gets with a new idea....with Al and Don’s contributions of creative genius and sweat to make the world of magic come to life. Welcome to the family Will Mandelbaum! I can see this is a very good fit for the students and the production family. These students have learned so much from you in just one school year.
The Poppins world really came alive with the beautiful costume designs of Mary Brannan and her parent team. I love your vision and use of color. My hats off to our student Assistant Director and Animation creator Finn Ryder. Your boundless energy and vast theater knowledge helped to add more magic to this show. The stage managers Kate Rusin (also Props Master), Norah Corrigan, Kendra Ward, Jackie DiCenzo, you kept the rehearsals organized and well run. Jim Durkin and Adam Lobelson, no one else can create the voodoo that you do. I thank you.
Thank you to the significant others that support us all from home. A HUGE THANK YOU to the families of our crew and cast for sharing your students with us. Last but not least...the love and support given to me by my family that has seen me through a lifetime of theater and dance. Scott, you are the grounding stone to our lives. Sarah, Josh and Millie...your support from afar is endless. I love you forever and always.
THANK YOU to the audience, for taking the time out of your lives to support the arts and feed your souls.
-Andrea Metchick
