Oct. 2, 2018 -- Bringing her beloved magic, whimsy and flying power, Mary Poppins will take the stage at Heights High on November 1-4.High school students are double cast in the lead roles and middle and elementary students perform as dancers and in the chorus.

The shows are on November 1-3, 7:00 p.m. and November 4, 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 & $8, available online or by phone. For more information call 216-320-3069.

 

The show will be presented in the renovated Heights High auditorium at Cedar and Lee Roads and will include more than 180 high school students performing in two casts and managing the backstage operations. The elementary school cast includes 160 students in the chorus and 70 middle school students on stage and in the chorus.

“This is a great show for us because the music is amazing and loved by so many people,” said the show’s producer and Heights High Vocal Music Director Jesse Lange. “And, we have the singing and dancing talent to really shine in this show.”

Most of the lead roles are double cast; Mary Poppins is played by seniors Judea Lowe and Olivia Sormaz, and Bert is played by junior Will Davis and senior Manny Vaughn.

All four actors are familiar with the show and spent the summer and fall learning the music and lines. After school started they also focused on learning the dance steps. As an added perk, they are all good friends and spend many hours outside of regular rehearsals practicing and encouraging each other.

Judea remembers watching the Mary Poppins movie many times when she was younger. “I loved it and am so happy to be playing Mary,” she said. “She’s pretty stern but is always on the side of the children, I like that.”

Olivia is excited to learn tap dancing. “That is new for me and a fun challenge,” she said. “I grew up with Mary Poppins and it’s great to play her on stage at Heights.”

Manny is enjoying the dancing aspect of Bert’s character. “I love to dance am also enjoying the stunts, I’m just so excited to have this role,” he said. Will is also playing Bert. “I identify with Bert, he likes to make people laugh and is a real optimist,” said Will.

Nearly 20 students in the stage crew are constructing sets, setting up the lights and sound and will manage the backstage operations during the production.

Mary Poppins Cast
Mary Poppins: Olivia Sormaz and Judea Lowe
Bert: Manny Vaughn and Will Davis
George Banks: Jackson Marshall and Zach Brust
Winifred Banks: Lila Schubert and Chip Vandall
Jane Banks: Jesse Gross and Charlotte Piszel
Michael Banks: Jonah Kerr-Jung and Nareus Hardin
Mrs. Brill : Sydney Ball and Caroline Imka
Roberton Ay: Michael Lee
Mrs. Corry/Miss Andrews: Alyssa Smith and Erykah Hawkins
Bird Woman: Chantee McMillan
Katie Nanna/Queen Victoria: Carolyn Meyer
Policeman: Javier Vallejo
Miss Lark: Rohan Bruce
Admiral Boom: Ashton Everette
Park Keeper: Imani Bruce
Neleus: Suki Truitt
Miss Smythe: Katerina Alden
Von Hussler: Wolfe Pehowic
Northbrook: Jared Polley
Valentine: Alexis Dixon
Teddy Bear: Anastasia Biesecker
Mr. Punch: Sonny Villanueva
Doll: La'Shea Baker