ABERDEEN, S.D. – “Winds in the east, there’s a mist comin’ in, like something is brewin’, and ‘bout to begin!” The Northern State University Theater Department’s production of “Mary Poppins” will “Step! Step! Step in time!” onto the Johnson Fine Arts Center main theater stage from Wednesday, April 19, through Sunday, April 23.

The show will be performed nightly at 7:30 p.m. from April 19 through 22, with a matinee show performed at 2:30 p.m. on April 23.

Mary Poppins marks the first theater production to be performed on the JFAC main stage since its renovation was completed this past fall.

With the departure of yet another nanny, George and Winifred Banks and their mischievous children Jane and Michael’s lives are turned upside down following the arrival of a “practically perfect” nanny named Mary Poppins. With the help of her friend Bert, Mary takes the Banks children and audience on a series of magical adventures, teaching important life lessons that not only affect the kids, but help the whole family discover the true value of family and friendship.

The production features timeless classics such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Step in Time” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.”

The principle roles of Mary Poppins and Bert are played by musical theater majors Christine Powers of Hot Springs and Tyler Lanam of Rapid City. The roles of George and Winifred Banks are played by music majors Sal Scavo of Hightstown, N.J., and Taylor Brekke of Mobridge, with Ava and Jackson Rott of Aberdeen appearing as Jane and Michael Banks.

Other individuals involved in the vocal and dance ensemble are Balie Albrecht of Rapid City; Torriano Barrett of Nassau, Bahamas; MacKinley Bruemmer of Lacrosse, Wis.; Drew Comstock of Aberdeen; Robert Fay of Aberdeen; Dakota Feller of Onida; Kari Hanson of Groton; Tyler Harris of Rapid City; Adam (Beaf) Henning of Watertown; Joshua Hinkemeyer of Sisseton; Michael Lytle of Rapid City; Katie Magera of Aberdeen; Amanda McIlravy of Philip; Brittany Quinn of Timber Lake; Joanna Schleich of Mitchell; Tabitha Schmidt of Huron; Brooke Thielbar of Hardwick, Minn.; Ben Weber of Rapid City; Joni Willoughby of Pierre; and Annie Woodmansey of Pierre.

Members of the orchestra pit include Tanner Chilson of Watertown; Taylor Johnson of Aberdeen; Carleigh Klein of Rapid City; Gretchen Sharp of Bath; Grace Gasperich of Aberdeen; Tierra Decker of Huron; Luke Bergjord of Aberdeen; Tanner Shultis of Aberdeen; Kylie Rusch of Bismarck, N.D.; Naomi Davis of Watertown; Molly Royals of Rapid City; Brady Vandevort of Rapid City; Scott Glodt of Hoven; Ginny Lewis of Aberdeen; and Colton Schaefer of Wilmot.

Providing musical direction for the production is Michael Skyles, NSU instructor of voice. Dr. Robert Vodnoy, professor of orchestra and music, will direct the pit orchestra, with Mary Marion accompanying on piano.

Directing the production is NSU Director of Theater, Daniel Yurgaitis. Joshua John Frachiseur is the scenic designer and Larry Wild is the director of light design. Tina Hanagan will be supervising the flying effects that will be created by the professional firm, Vertigo. Kate Jarland is the stage manager for this production.

Choreography for the production was developed as a collaborative effort by music majors Balie Albrecht of Rapid City and Annie Woodmansey of Pierre. Northern also secured permissions to perform some of the choreography from the original Broadway production of Mary Poppins.

Ticket Information:

General ticket sales will open to the public at noon on Monday, March 27, online and at the JFAC Box Office. Tickets for the production are $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. NSU faculty/staff may purchase two tickets at half price. NSU students are admitted free with ID. A $2 off group discount will be offered for groups purchasing 12 or more tickets at the same time. Tickets can be purchased at the Johnson Fine Arts Center Box Office or online.

Box office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon-4 p.m. The box office opens two hours before the show begins on performance nights. The JFAC box office phone number is 605-626-2900.

For more information about Mary Poppins, please contact Daniel Yurgaitis at d.yurgaitus@northern.edu.

About Northern State University

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