Willowbrook to present its fall musical, ‘Mary Poppins’
Join Willowbrook on a magical adventure, as the school presents its fall musical, “Mary Poppins.”
The show tells the story of the members of the Banks family, who are struggling to balance the “real-world” mindset of Mr. Banks (played by Willowbrook senior Tim Wagner) with the mischievous imaginations of the two Banks children, Jane and Michael (played by Willowbrook freshman Emily O'Brochta and her brother Sean, a student at St. Pius X Parish School). When a mysterious young woman named Mary Poppins appears at their home, the Banks discover she might be just what they’ve been looking for in a nanny – yet nothing like what they expected.
Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable journeys, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones who are changed by those experiences. Even grownups can learn a lesson or two through the world of Mary Poppins.
“With our performance of ‘Mary Poppins,’ audience members can expect to revisit the things they love from the movie, but also be surprised with aspects based on the book by P. L. Travers,” said Regina Wathier, Willowbrook Theatre Director. “This show is filled with elements of magic and surprise that are sure to captivate children and adults.”
Willowbrook juniors Julia and Kathleen Cicero will play the part of Mary Poppins and said it’s a dream come true to perform that role.
“We watched that movie growing up and absolutely love Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins,” Kathleen said. “It’s fun to make the character my own, yet take aspects of what Andrews did as well.”
The character of Bert will be played by junior John DeAngelo, who said it has been an amazing opportunity to bring the story to life on stage.
“It’s a lot of fun to have such a big cast (about 130 students are part of the production) and perform such well-known musical numbers,” DeAngelo said.
He added although “Mary Poppins” is lighthearted and family-friendly, there is a deeper meaning to the storyline.
“To me, the story teaches the lesson that there’s nothing wrong with having order in your life, but you also need to let your imagination run a little wild and enjoy being with those you love,” DeAngelo said.
“Mary Poppins”
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 17, 18 and 19
* From 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 18, the Kiwanis Club of Villa Park will host a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser before the show. For details (including ticket prices), go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=3122.
Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park
Tickets: Advanced tickets are no longer available. Tickets must be bought at the door, and the box office will open at 6 p.m.
- Tickets cost $10 for adults, students and children 12 years old and older; $8 for children younger than 12 years old and students with an Activity Pass; and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card.