Enthusiastic audiences have enjoyed three performances of one of theatre-goers’ favorites, Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical in the last week. The 1964 movie, which earned five Academy awards and a total of 13 nominations, was filmed in Hollywood about a family in London.
Russellville students have brought the show to life on the stage of deGraffenried Auditorium three times in eight days, under the director of Brian Brown, who heads the Russellville Jr/Sr High band program.
Art teacher Chris Holloman was involved in set design and decoration, and radio personality Rob Beasley lent his skills to the cause. The always dependable Eddie Brooks provided whatever help was needed.
Hannah Miller starred in the title role, one which earned Julie Andrews the Best Actress Oscar a half century ago. Carson Kash reprised Dick Van Dyke’s lovable character Bert—a one-man band/chimney sweep. The Banks family, who are major players in the show, were brought to life by Johnny Drumgole, Raven Hale, Carly Speck and James Kline.
Other cast members included Hannah Alford, Noah Brown, Sarah Brown, Maggie Cockrell, Anabel Cruz, Karlee Elrod, John Essex, Cassidy Farwick, Ashley Gilbert, Emma Gwynette, Skyler Hale, Emma McReynolds, Hunter Moneypenny, Jada Morris, Lauren Mullen, Elly Myers, Drew Oberhausen, Katie Paul, Rian Saul, Kaylee Silvey, Ben Slack, Tosha Smotherman, Ma’Leigha Stovall, Denise Stovall, Dilishia Thomas, Dru West, Danielle White, Chloe Whitescarver, Phillip Wilkerson, Lucy Wilkinson and Mark Wynn.
The production crew included Troy Adams, Allie Blythe, C.J. Borden, Sam Cundiff, Tristen Gentry Sydney Herndon, Tera Ragland, Madison Rose, Brandon Stearsman, Luci Suiter, and Sarah Williams.