Congratulations to the MHS Theater Ensemble for three amazing performances of Mary Poppins, which saw the return of unmasked performers to the MHS stage!

In all, more than 50 community members, including a cast and crew of three dozen students, pitched in to bring this magical Winter Musical performance to life. From lively song and dance to timely comedic turns, this production had it all.

Based on the popular 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins tells the fantastical story of the unconventional nanny who proves to be just the medicine the dysfunctional Banks home needs. Hired to introduce some discipline to the out-of-control Banks children, Mary uses her unique style — and a series of magical adventures — to the benefit of the adults as much as the children.

This MHS production starred Symaira Elliott ’22 as Mary Poppins, Olivia Kick-Nalepa ’22 as the jack-of-all-trades chimney sweep and Mary’s longtime friend, Bert, Milie Madourie ’22 and Ella Tawes ’24 as George and Winifred Banks, and Keely O’Gorman ’22 and Emily Lombardi ’22 as their ill-behaved children, Jane and Michael Banks, who need a new nanny.

The production also featured Jo Swallie ’22 as Mrs. Brill, the Banks’ cook; Emilie Coziol-Desy ’25 as their bootman, Robertson Ay; Isa Bretthauer ’22 as Mr. Banks’ former nanny, Ms. Andrew; Paige Barton ’23 as Katie Nanna, the Banks’ most recent nanny; Katie Lunden ’25 as Admiral Boom and the bank chairman; and Iva Knezevic ’24 as Ms. Lark, another Banks neighbor.

Also performing were Cailyn Tetteh ’22 as the Policeman; Truc Hoang ’22 as the Park Keeper; Lucy Garrison ’23 as Neleus; Anna Ho ’22 as Mrs. Corry; Maddie Tillem ’24 as the Bird Woman; Joana Zimmermann ’24 as Von Hussler; and Welmerly Maria ’24 as Northbrook.

The Ensemble featured Joana, Jo, Ella, Lucy, Isa, Maddie, Paige, Cailyn, Truc, Katie, Iva, Emilie, Anna, Welmerly, Molly Casey ’24, and Alice Ho ’23. The MHS Step Team — Sam Dean ’22, Idalis De Jesus ’25, Sam Kangethe ’22, Ivy Kay ’25, Ruby McDonald ’22, Tyler Norman ’25, Miglė Petruškevičiūtė ’23, Kali Sears ’23, and Ollie Walter ’23 — also made a show-stopping appearance!

The production’s Technical Crew included Stage Managers Grey Carmel ’23, Tati Kheyfets ’23, Kathleen Nguyen ’22, and Hannie Truong ’22. Emilie Coziol-Desy ’25, and Olivia Kick-Nalepa ’22 assisted with choreography, and Carrie Zhou ’24, Anna Zheng ’23, and Alice Ho ’23 assisted with costumes.

Props were handled by Grey Carmel ’23, Kathleen Nguyen ’22, EA Peña ’25, Leora Cook-Dubin ’24, Aurora Rahman ’23, and Rome Buckley ’24. Emily Meng ’23 was the lighting board operator, and Kathleen Nguyen ’22 and Rome Buckley ’24 oversaw lobby design, with assistance from Ella Cohen ’24, Kyla Gore ’24, Grey Carmel ’23, EA Peña '25, Welmerly Maria ’24, and Naomi Wager ’24.

Joe Rose was the Musical Director and Accompanist, while Katie Ward provided set and lighting design. The show was directed and choreographed by Jennifer Jordan, MHS Director of Theater and Dance.

In all, more than four dozen students contributed countless hours to perform and produce the show and to build the set. The production also benefited from the assistance of MHS faculty and staff members, as well as from supporters in the area’s theater community. Great job, everyone!