NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville Repertory Theatre is proud to close its 21/22 season with the magic, music, and flying from the world’s favorite nanny, Mary Poppins at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s James K. Polk Theater, 505 Deaderick Street, from Thursday, April 28th through Sunday, May 8th, 2022. For ticket and showtime information, visit www.nashvillerep.org.
“After a two year pause in production, everyone at Nashville Rep is tremendously proud to be producing Mary Poppins, our largest production in over a decade. If there ever was a time we need a joyous night out at theatre, enjoying the virtuoso performances of some of Nashville’s most talented performers, it is now.,” said Drew Ogle, Executive Director of Nashville Rep.
Mary Poppins follows young Jane and Michael Banks who have sent many a nanny packing before until Mary Poppins flies into their home to bring them the adventure, discipline, and affection they crave. With the help of Bert and a colorful cast of London characters, Mary Poppins uses magic, adventure, and a spoonful of sugar to teach the entire Banks family to love each other and their supercalifragilisticexpialidocious lives. Nashville Rep’s production of Walt Disney’s masterpiece is practically perfect in every way!
The musical adaptation of Mary Poppins is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film, includes original music and lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman, a book by Julian Fellowes, and brand-new songs added for the stage by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles.
“It’s exciting to get back into the rehearsal room and work with this talented group of actors. This production invites us to discover the extraordinary and impossible in the world around us,” says director Micah-Shane Brewer. “Hope and optimism can be very powerful in troubling times, and that’s what we need now more than anything!”
Mary Poppins will star Middle Tennessee native Jeremy Benton as Bert and Christine McNeal as the title character of Mary Poppins both making their Nashville rep debut. The Banks family will feature Geoffrey Davin as George Banks, Natalie Rankin as Winifred Banks, Mia Blaise Campbell and Sarah Hedrick will share the role of Jane Banks, and Michael Banks will be played by Jackson Benfield and Danny Davis.
The colorful cast of London characters include Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva as Mrs. Corry and Miss Andrew, Denice Hicks as The Bird Woman and Miss Lark, Katie Bruno as Mrs. Brill, Jonah Jackson as Robertson Ay, Dennis Elkins as Admiral Boom, Deonté L. Warren as Von Hussler, and Ray Gleaves as Neleus. Featuring an ensemble of Kelsey Brodeur, Ian Frazier, Nate Gilanyi, Allison Little, Maria Logan, Mike Sallee Jr., Allie Spengler, and Meggan Utech.
Micah-Shane Brewer returns as director after the success of the season opener, Ragtime. Joining him includes Musical Director, Randy Craft and Christie Zimmerman making her Rep debut as choreographer. The creative team for Mary Poppins includes costumes by Lori-Gann Smith, lighting by Mike Wood, sound by Tanner Roman, scenery by J Branson provided by Music Theatre Wichita, stage management by Teresa Driver, props by Abigail Nichol, and flying effects proved by ZFX.
The Nashville Rep has been named Best Professional Theatre by the Nashville Scene, Best Local Theatre by The Tennessean, Largest Arts Organization by Nashville Business Journal, and recognized by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for 35 years of service to the community. The Rep’s shows, actors, directors, and designers have been honored by Nfocus, Nashville Scene, The Tennessean, and the First Night Awards. For Nashville Repertory 2021- 22 season tickets and showtime information, visit www.nashvillerep.org or www.tpac.org.
Since 1985, Nashville Repertory Theatre has been Nashville’s premier regional theater, entertaining and inspiring audiences by creating exceptional theatre exploring the diversity of human experience. Nashville Rep produces work designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville, by highly skilled actors, designers, directors, and technicians, creating the highest quality professional productions and serving as a cultural, educational, and economic resource in Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities. Nashville Rep is committed to bringing classic and contemporary theatre to Nashville that inspires empathy and prods intellectual and emotional engagement in audiences.
