SLT Seeks Practically Perfect Cast for
Regional Premiere of ‘Mary Poppins’
Slidell
Little Theatre director Scott Sauber promises, “a fun-filled, Disney adventure
with heart and soul,” and is seeking a magical cast that knows too well that in
every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.
Mary
Poppins is
an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking
dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft. This show is a perfect opportunity
to showcase a strong, iconic female performer, as well as unique special effects
and illusions.
The
jack-of-all trades, Bert introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled
Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary
Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common
sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins
takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and
Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can
learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen
if you let it."
Mary Poppins Character List:
Character Breakdown
Bert The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary
Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player,
sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as
the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent
and is a song-and-dance man.
Male, 30 - 39 yrs old
George Banks The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a
banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and
order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have
much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by
his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a
sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
Male, 40 - 45 yrs old
Winnifred Banks George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother.
A former actress, she is loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to
live up to her husband's desire to obnly associate with "the best
people" as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the
conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs.
Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her
tone.
Female, 30 - 40 yrs old
Jane The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is
bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Female, 11 yrs old
Michael The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks.
Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he
and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Male, 9 yrs old
Katie Nanna Jane and Micahel's nanny at the beginning of the
show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks
children.
Female, 30 - 40 yrs old
Speaking Role
Policeman A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and
observant of households on his beat.
Male, 30 - 50 yrs old
Speaking Role
Miss Lark The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family
who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if her were child.
Female, 30 - 40 yrs old
Speaking Role
Admiral Boom A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks
family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy
jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range
as needed. If Admiral Bloom doubles as the Banks Chairman, he can be a
baritone.
Male, 50 - 60 yrs old
Speaking Role
Mrs. Brill The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family.
Overworked and harrassed, she's always complaining that the house is
understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath.
Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins
in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
Female, 50 - 60 yrs old
Robertson Ay The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy
and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless.
He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun
surprise.
Male, 20 - 30 yrs old
Mary Poppins Jane and Michael Banks's new nanny. She is
extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and
sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect
in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top
notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano
sound, but precision and diction is the key.
Female, 20 - 30 yrs old
Park Keeper Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one
breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers
after his childhood.
Male, 40 - 60 yrs old
Speaking Role
Neleus The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the
park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much.
A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This
role is a wonderful opportunity to feature one of the strong dancers in your
ensemble.
Male, 16 - 20 yrs old
Queen Victoria A statue in the park.
Female, 40 - 60 yrs old
Bank Chairman The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is
employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if
necessary.
Male, 50-60 yrs old
Miss Smythe The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary.
Female, 40 - 50 yrs old
Speaking Role
Ensemble Annie, Fannie, Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch,
Doll, Chimney Sweeps, Toys, Parkgoers.
Von Hussler A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a
shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent.
Male, 30 - 50 yrs old
Speaking Role
John Northbrook An honest business man seeking a loan to
build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from Northern
England.
Male, 30 - 50 yrs old
Bird Woman Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her
pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her
crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her
as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a
gruff, folksy quality to her voice that relfelcts the hardness of her life.
Female, 50 - 60 yrs old
Mrs. Corry Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a
mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean accent (or any accent
that would make her seem exotic).
Female, 40 - 50 yrs old
Speaking Role
Miss Andrew George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her
bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to kepp naighty children in line,
she is a biully who only knows one way of oing things - her way. A soprano with
an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
Female, 40 - 60 yrs old
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