MARY POPPINS!
About The Script:
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."
Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. This show is a perfect opportunity to showcase a strong, iconic female performer, as well as unique special effects and illusions.
Available Roles:
Character Breakdown
Bert
The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man.
George Banks
The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
Winifred Banks
George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother. A former actress, she is loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to obnly associate with "the best people" as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs. Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her tone.
Jane
The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Michael
The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Katie Nanna
Jane and Micahel's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
Policeman
A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
Miss Lark
The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if her were child.
Admiral Boom
A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range as needed.
Mrs. Brill
The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harrassed, she's always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
Robertson Ay
The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise.
Mary Poppins
Jane and Michael Banks's new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key.
Park Keeper
Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
Neleus
The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This role is a wonderful opportunity to feature one of the strong dancers in your ensemble.
Queen Victoria
A statue in the park.
Bank Chairman
The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
Miss Smythe
The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary.
Ensemble
Annie, Fannie, Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll, Chimney Sweeps, Toys, Parkgoers.
Von Hussler
A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent.
John Northbrook
An honest business man seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from Northern England.
Bird Woman
Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that relfelcts the hardness of her life.
Mrs. Corry
Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean accent (or any accent that would make her seem exotic).
Miss Andrew
George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
Auditions will take place on September 18th, 19th & 20th 2018
Sign up and submit forms under the tab called "FORMS"
You must fill out the Google Doc! https://goo.gl/forms/hdRMcxNuQ8Bg2GHK2
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- All paperwork must be uploaded and complete to audition - uploaded on this site by Mon Sept 17th @2:30
- You must upload a headshot with your audition package (Google Doc application)
- You MUST have a memorized monologue of your choice (under 1 min) AND a memorized song of your choice without music
- You MUST have a song from the show memorized and be prepared to sing one verse and a chorus without music
- We will be doing cold readings from the script. Think about the character and really act your piece.
- Show up 10 minutes early for your audition. Report to the Drama room and wait to be called.
- Bring a list of any conflicts you may have. You will write these conflicts on the form included in your audition pack that must be uploaded before you audition.
- Check out the "Audition Tips" tab for some extra help
- Plan to have fun at auditions! We usually have a really good time watching you perform!
Thanks for preparing your audition. We look forward to seeing you there!
Rehearsal Schedule for 2018:
- Rehearsals will vary this year due to out location changes however they will take place after school in the drama room. You must arrive by 2:35 and be prepared to stay until 4:30pm. There will also be 2 weekend rehearsals which you must attend.
- Please check all the dates below before agreeing to audition.
- You must attend all rehearsals. It is imperative that all cast members are present in order to run efficient practices.
- You must let the Director Ms. Walsh know ASAP if there are any conflicts.
- If casted, a commitment contract will be required. If you fail to meet the conditions of the contract you will be dismissed from the cast and replaced by another actor.
A.C.T. 2018-2019 Musical Dates:
September:
Monday September 17th – Audition forms DUE
Tuesday September 18th – Auditions
Wednesday September 19th – Auditions
Thursday September 20th – Auditions
Monday September 24th – Casting
Wednesday September 26th – Scripts and Movie Viewing
Thursday September 27th – First Full Read Through
October:
Monday October 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th – Music Rehearsal
Thursday October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, Nov 1st – Dance Rehearsal
November:
Monday November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th – Music Rehearsal
Thursday November 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th – Dance Rehearsal
December:
Monday December 3rd, 10th, 17th – Music Rehearsal
Thursday December 6th, 13th, 20th – Dance Rehearsal
No rehearsals in January.
February: Rehearsals – 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday)
March: Rehearsals - 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
First Weekend Rehearsal: Saturday March 9th 8:00am-5:00pm & Sunday March 10th 8:00am-5:00pm
Second Weekend Rehearsal: Saturday March 30th 8:00am-7:00pm & Sunday March 31st 8:00am- 7:00pm
- Cast mass will be on Sunday March 31st 2019
Dress Rehearsals: Mon April 1st 2:05pm-8:00pm & Tues April 2nd 2:05pm-8:00pm
SHOWS: Wed April 3rd 2:05pm-10:30pm (Morning and Night show)
Thurs April 4th 2:05pm-10:30pm (Morning and Night show)
Fri April 5th 2:05pm-10:30pm (Morning and Night show)
Clean up day: Sat April 6th 10:00am-5:00pm
Songs
Click the links to hear the song that you can use for the audition
Ladies
"Spoonful of Sugar"
Broadway= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IBvtuZNgAM
Karaoke= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fwCVHtOQUk
“Feed the Birds”
Broadway= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0adpbKfIp0I
Karaoke= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewJVXZTS6lI
Gentlemen
"Jolly Holiday"
Broadway= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpWjHmiNysg
Karaoke= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VURrmaVrpaw (sorry, no on screen lyrics)
"Fly a Kite"
Broadway= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjfMBUHJS9c
Karaoke= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5cOApdMvj4