June 3rd saw the final performance of Mary Poppins Jr. by Stratford Academy Johnson House students. If you missed it, what a great performance you missed!
The show ran for three nights, June 1st to the 3rd, and was close to sold out every show. Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Johnson House students put on a wonderful performance for audience members.
Directed by Teacher Kathy Signore, and produced by parents Kelly Spellman, and Tracey Lubas, Mary Poppins Jr. is set in 1910 England. Jack-of-all trades Bert (played by Paul L.), Introduces us to the troubled Banks family, young Jane (Adeline H.) and Michael (Elliot Z.), Parents Winifred (Amelie M.) And George Banks (Reid R.). Mary Poppins (Jaleah O.) Must use a combination of magic and common sense to teach the family members to value each other again. Mary Poppins and the children go on many magical and memorable adventures, but they aren't the only ones she has a profound effect on.
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Theatrical Director Liz Litchfield, and choreographer Megan McCool helped these young stars put on an amazing performance as always. From 'Cherry Tree Lane' to 'Anything Can Happen', each song and dance number was Practically Perfect. It was amazing to see the vocal talent of all of the leads. With such great young talent, these kids are sure to go places. Every performer, from Poppins to Park Strollers, Clerks to Sweeps, and every Honeybee and Statue in between, there was much talent to go around.
The costumes and set design, headed up by Susanna Mellen, and props by Linda Higgins (and of course all of the student and parent volunteers), made this show even better. Every detail was so perfect and beautiful, it added so much more to this show. Every year we are more and more impressed with Stratford Academy Johnson House plays, a long standing tradition at the school.
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However, this year's performance was also bittersweet. As we conclude the school year, our elementary schools will face a massive change, Stratford Academy will possibly face the biggest change of all. We will see over 50% of current students at the school, many in this play, leave us and go to their neighborhood elementary schools (if they're not going to middle school of course).
We do not know what the future holds for any of us, but Mary Poppins said it best, as she always does:
"Anything can happen, it's official
You can choose the super or the superficial
Sally forth the way we're steering
Obsticals start disappearing
Go and chase your dreams you won't regret it
Anything can happen
Anything can happen
Anything can happen
If you let it"
Congratulations to all the cast, crew, and volunteers, adult and child, on a job well done!
We'll miss you Mary Poppins.