Audiences won’t need a spoonful of sugar to make Rainbow Stage’s next production any more appealing.
Expect a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show when Mary Poppins makes her return to the iconic domed theatre in Kildonan Park.
“(Mary Poppins) returns when you need her most,” says Rainbow Stage Artistic Director Carson Nattrass.
Last staged over a decade ago, the production starring everyone’s favourite nanny serves as the ideal foil to the first-ever world-premiere that kicked off the 70th anniversary Rainbow Stage season, according to Nattrass.
“What Mary Poppins represents for me is a show that lives in the classical realm but has this universally welcoming story for all generations,” he says.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Academy Award winning 1964 Walt Disney Film, the musical features iconic tunes such as “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Chim-Chim-Cher-ee!”
Cast in the title role is Winnipeg’s own Colleen Furlan, who appeared as a young actor in the last production done in 2013, says Nattrass.
“(Furlan brings) this perfect balance between heart, humour and sternness,” notes Nattrass. “And then, she is one of the most incredible dancers and one of the most outstanding sopranos that you’ll ever hear.”
Directed by Alexandra Herzog, the show also features Joema Frith as Bert – “a huge talent in Canada,” says Nattrass – plus many other returning Rainbow Stage favourite actors.
Mary Poppins runs from August 15 through September 1.
To learn more and purchase tickets, head to the Rainbow Stage website at: www.rainbowstage.ca
Listen to the full conversation with artistic director Carson Nattrass to hear more about the cast, how the production is realized on stage, and what keeps the magic of Mary Poppins connecting with audiences across generations!