MANSFIELD, Ohio — Brianna Barnes said that playing Julie Andrews’ role as Mary Poppins is a dream come true. The American classic film and Broadway musical Mary Poppins will be performed at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield with the first performance on Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m.
“I think every kid grows up on Mary Poppins. So it’s kind of fun to do a show that incorporates all those generations into something that everyone can relate to–something about family,” said Barnes, who is from Mansfield.
Actors have been practicing for this technical performance since May, when auditions first opened. Renaissance Artistic Director Michael Thomas said although the show is technically difficult with the amount of dancing and singing, the actors stepped up to the challenge.
“I think this is the most difficult show we’ve ever done because it has so many moving pieces,” said Thomas. “One of the challenges is there is a lot of dance in this. We had people who were not primarily dancers. There’s a lot of technical singing in this; we had people who were not professional singers. And they all stepped up.”
Steven Joshua Thompson, who is playing Bert in the show, traveled from New York City for the performance.
“To do a show that has such strong story about family values, for me specifically, it’s the first show that my nieces and nephews can come see — which has been a great joy,” said Thompson. “And to play the character that Dick Van Dyke originated is a dream come true.”
Other principle characters include Daniel Kurek as Michael Banks and McKenna Stoffer as Jane Banks.
Performances begin Saturday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. and continue Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $34 and are on sale at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone at 419-522-2726, and on their website.
“I think every kid grows up on Mary Poppins. So it’s kind of fun to do a show that incorporates all those generations into something that everyone can relate to–something about family,” said Brianna Barnes.
