StageLights Theatre hopes to take flight with its latest production, “Mary Poppins Jr.,” with performances beginning Thursday at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
The nonprofit children’s theater camp celebrated 25 years in 2017 with a production of “The Lion King.” It was a hit, selling out its four shows, but the story contends with some dark themes surrounding the circle of life.
The group opted for something lighter and entertaining heading into their 26th season.
“I thought it’d be great to do a more upbeat, cheerful, full-of-sunshine production,” said Judy Zwelling, StageLights co-founder and music director.
Although they’re producing the junior version of “Mary Poppins,” Zwelling said it includes most of the regular show, just omitting some dialogue and shortening some songs. The show runs roughly 80 minutes.
The five-week camp includes 31 children ages 8-14, many of whom are returning students. They learn techniques behind acting, singing and dancing, culminating in performances in front of an audience.
“We have a really great cast to work with this year,” said choreographer Arianna Heck. “They are all very eager. They want to learn. They want to do well. They want to perform.”
Beyond the main roles, even children in the larger ensemble get plenty to do, performing in multiple scenes and staying onstage for most of the show.
A live, professional four-piece band adds gravitas to the music as the children perform their way through classic “Mary Poppins” song such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time,” which includes a major tap dancing number that has performers moving off the stage and into the theater’s aisles.
Richard Parker, StageLights executive and art director, created the set for “Mary Poppins” along with a group of helpers. The vision combines realistic pieces, such as a fireplace or a desk, mixed with simple boxes that encourage the use of one’s imagination.
“My intention is to bring the audience into the world of Mary Poppins, but in order to get there, they need to contribute,” Parker said. “Magic is what we perceive it to be.”
Want to go?
“Mary Poppins” runs 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and July 28 and 2 p.m. July 28 at Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. Tickets are $8-15, available at stagelightstheatre.org.
