Hamburg Area School District Set to Present Timeless Classic ‘Mary Poppins’
The Hamburg Area School District, in collaboration with the Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts, is gearing up for a captivating production of “Mary Poppins,” the beloved musical adapted from the cherished Broadway show. Scheduled for later this month, the performances will be held at Hamburg Area High School, offering a blend of timeless charm, enchanting musical numbers, and heartfelt narrative that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The story unfolds in London in 1910, centering on the whimsical Banks family residing at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Their domestic life is a delightful chaos until the arrival of the enigmatic and “practically perfect” Mary Poppins. Portrayed as a magical nanny, she instills a sense of wonder and joy in the lives of George and Winifred Banks, along with their imaginative children, Jane and Michael. The musical guides them through a series of delightful adventures, emphasizing the fundamental values of family, love, and the joy of living.
Among the highlights of this production are popular songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” accompanied by new musical pieces crafted specifically for the stage adaptation. These iconic numbers not only enhance the narrative but also serve as a nostalgic reminder of the magic that “Mary Poppins” has consistently represented.
Director Nate Rothermel praised the dedication and hard work of the cast and crew, noting that their commitment extends beyond performance to express deeper emotional connections and storytelling. “Mary Poppins is a show that reminds us that relationships matter more than perfection, and we hope our community walks away feeling uplifted and inspired,” he stated. His vision for the musical is described as a “storybook come to life,” vividly depicted through the vibrant set design that mirrors the transformative impact the titular character has on the Banks family.
In a remarkable learning experience, students were involved in every aspect of production, from intricate choreography to collaborating with professionals on lighting, costuming, and prop design. This hands-on involvement not only enriches their artistic skills but also fosters teamwork and community spirit.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, November 23, at 2 p.m. All shows will take place in the Hamburg Area High School auditorium, providing an ideal venue for this enchanting musical. Reserved-seat tickets are priced at and are available for purchase online via the Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts website and the Hamburg Area School District website. Additional tickets can be acquired at the door, with cash or check accepted.
Rothermel extended an invitation to local families, alumni, and community members, urging them to attend and support the efforts of the students. “We hope families, alumni, students, and community members will come out to support our wildly talented students in the cast, crew, and pit, as well as our entire creative team,” he added, highlighting the communal aspect of the production and its importance in showcasing local talent.
As the curtain rises later this month, “Mary Poppins” promises to be more than just a performance—it is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate creativity, teamwork, and the enchanting power of storytelling.
