Ever since Pamela Travers authored Mary Poppins in 1934, people of all ages have fallen in love with the magical nanny. This Friday, June 25, citizens of Bristow will have the opportunity to fall for her all over again as she flies into Bristow, making a stop at the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts, courtesy of Onstage at the Freeland and the Freeland Center Foundation. The play will be the first non-school, full-scale theatrical production performed at the Freeland Center.
For those unfamiliar with the book and subsequent movie, Mary Poppins is a mysterious, seemingly magical nanny, arriving on the doorstep of an unhappy family after flying in on the wind by way of her umbrella. Over her tenure with the family, her strange yet fun and nonsensical ways help the family heal and learn to have fun together. This weekend’s play at the Freeland hopes to summon that same magic and fun for the enjoyment of the community.
With Chip Cooper producing and Chapman Shields directing, the show should be as magical as Mary Poppins, herself. Chapman described the behind-the-scenes magic required to produce a successful show, beginning with the importance of teamwork. Each person plays a unique role as part of the team in getting the show to the stage. For instance, Chapman conveyed that Chip not only produces but also builds much of the set, being a “master woodworker.” Chip also facilitates different forms of art being performed at the Freeland. Without him, Bristow would miss out on the concerts, recitals, theatrical productions, and shows it has come to love.
As for Chapman, being the director means he creates the artistic vision of the show. Having been involved with the theatre for more than ten years, he learned the finesse required to build and present a successful show. His favorite part of directing is creating an ensemble of unfamiliar performers and sculpting them into a family. He smiled, saying, “The best shows really come from that concept of family.” With the Mary Poppins production, Chapman expressed how quickly the group became family, noting that the entire production came together intors will be performing in the play, including some young local dancers of Jean Ann’s School of Dance. Most of those performing are locals and amateurs to the theatre, but a few professional visiting performers joined the cast.
Speaking of those professional visiting actors, a couple of them bring life to the play’s two main characters: Mary Poppins and Bert. Brooke Melton, originally of Little Rock, Arkansas, portrays Mary Poppins, and Gavin Thomas Drew, originally of Conway, Arkansas, portrays Bert. Although Brooke was unavailable to be interviewed, Gavin shared how they came to know one another and be involved in the theatre.
At the young age of five, Gavin earned a role in the Wizard of Oz as the Mayor of Munchkinland. He immediately fell in love and disclosed being sad and crying after the play’s conclusion, when his supportive mother consoled him. She asked, “Why are you crying and sad?” He told her “Because it’s over” between tears. She lovingly replied, “but it doesn’t have to be. There’s the next show, and the next show, and the next one after that.” Gavin disclosed that her support and encouragement served to propel him forward in continuing to find a role on stage. In fact, he went on to pursue musical theatre, which is how he met Brooke. The two became good friends. After meeting and becoming friends, Brooke and Gavin found themselves acting together in numerous productions in the last several years.
In addition to the producer, director, and two main actors, a few others fill lead roles in the production: Leah Anderson as stage manager and visiting artist, K.C. Lupp as vocal coach and actor, Melissa Hall as music director, and Kara Staiger as choreographer. Don and Carol Baker serve the Freeland Center as theatre managers.
When asked how the community can best support the production and build up future performances, both Chapman and Gavin asked the community to buy tickets, attend, and applaud the performers.
“Mary Poppins” will run Friday and Saturday with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Freeland Center. Tickets are available at thefreelandcenterorg.ludus.com for $15 each. All money raised from ticket sales will benefit the next theatrical production.