URI Theatre Department presents Disney classic ‘Mary Poppins’

Family musical features delightful songs of iconic Disney film

Emily Turtle, Kate Rocchio, and Zachary Simpkins
Emily Turtle, center, of Barrington, plays Mary Poppins alongside Kate Rocchio, left, of South Kingstown, who plays Jane Banks, and Zachary Simpkins, of North Smithfield, who plays Michael Banks in the upcoming University of Rhode Island Theatre Department’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins.” Photos by Randy Osga

KINGSTON, R.I. – April 10, 2018 — The University of Rhode Island Department of Theatre production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” a play with original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman and book by Julian Fellowes, will open on Friday, April 20.

This family musical features delightful songs from the popular Disney film including, “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The stories of Mary Poppins have captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting tale, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers will dazzle and delight theatre patrons of all ages in the Robert E. Will Theatre of URI’s Fine Arts Center, located 105 Upper College Road on the Kingston Campus.

Kate Rocchio and Zachary Simpkins
Kate Rocchio, left, of South Kingstown, plays Jane Banks, and Zachary Simpkins, of North Smithfield, plays Michael Banks in the upcoming University of Rhode Island Theatre Department’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins.” Photos by Randy Osga

Performances of “Mary Poppins” will be held April 20 through 22, and April 27 through 29, with evening performances on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., two performances on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and matinee showings on Sundays at 2 p.m.

General admission is $20 and tickets for children 12 and under cost $15. To purchase tickets, visit web.uri.edu/theatre, or call (401) 874-5843.

Paula McGlasson, who directed previous URI Theatre productions “Spring Awakening,” “Avenue Q,” and “Legally Blonde,” will direct; music direction is by Lila Kane; choreography is by Nicole Chagnon; costume design is by David T. Howard; set design is by URI Theatre alumna Cheryl de Wardener; lighting design is by associate professor Christian Wittwer; and sound design is by guest artist Michael Hyde.

CAST
Actor, Character, Hometown
Emily Turtle, Mary Poppins, Barrington
Brooks Shatraw, Bert, North Smithfield
Kate Rocchio, Jane Banks, Peace Dale
Zachary Simpkins, Michael Banks, North Smithfield
Jake Edward Clarke, Mr. George Banks, Narragansett
Maggie Papa, Mrs. Winifred Banks, Wakefield
Josh Raymo, Admiral Boom/Ensemble, Portsmouth
Lauren Jannetti, Miss Andrews/Ensemble, Lincoln
Eric Schlicht, Robertson Ay, Cumberland
Cassidy McCartan, Mrs. Brill, Stewartsville, Minn.
Valerie Ferris, Bird Woman/Ensemble, Staten Island, N.Y.
Ardemis Kassabian, Mrs. Corry/Ensemble, Wakefield
Abigail Dufresne, Miss Lark/Ensemble, Saunderstown

UNDERSTUDIES
Actor, Character, Hometown
Erin McGowan, Mary Poppins, Zionsville, Penn.
Daniel F. Greene, Mr. George Banks/Ensemble, Easton, Mass.
Emily Carter, Mrs. Winifred Banks, Hope
Dean Hernandez, Bert/Ensemble, East Providence

ENSEMBLE
Actor, Character, Hometown
Josef Allen, Ensemble, West Newbury, Mass.
Lauren Jannetti, Ensemble, Lincoln
Daniel F. Greene, Ensemble, Easton, Mass.
Colin Cleary, Ensemble, Harvard, Mass.
Jeremy Chiang, Ensemble, North Kingstown
Mary Mullane, Ensemble, Warwick
Madison Cook-Hines, Ensemble, Greene
Emma Becker, Ensemble, Tiverton
Allison Steele, Ensemble, Milford, Conn.
Ariana Pacheco, Ensemble, North Kingstown
John Cunha, Ensemble, Middletown
Kaela Bergeron, Ensemble, North Scituate
Lily Ferreira, Ensemble, Middletown
Elise Felker, Ensemble, North Kingstown
Bryan Kuchar, Ensemble, Cumberland