DIRECTOR VISION LETTER —————
Welcome to CYT’s production of Mary Poppins! We are beyond excited to start this show process. This team has put in so much time, thought, and prayer into the dreaming up of this show. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for each and every one of you!
There is something so nostalgic and heartwarming about an iconic musical like Mary Poppins. I can remember watching the movie with my family as a kid - moments like that are some of my favorites to look back on! As we start working on this show together, my hope is that we do those moments justice. I want everyone who experiences this show, whether you’re in the show, backstage, or watching from the audience, to feel like you’re back with their family, sitting under a warm, fuzzy blanket, and watching the story of Mary Poppins come to life.
Mary Poppins is the perfect show for a variety of ages. It is a very ensemble heavy show; think chimney sweeps, kite flyers, statues, some wacky shop owners, and many, many more exciting characters! We want to see all sorts of personality on stage! The spectacular vocals and exhilarating dance numbers are so much fun to be a part of, no matter your experience level or age. This iconic show is one you won’t want to miss!
A quick note to consider; while there are multiple roles for kiddos of younger ages, there are many more featured roles for kids who can look more like an adult while onstage. I would encourage those auditioning to look at the character descriptions, and the directors notes listed with them, to gain a more realistic idea of where they may be cast.
When preparing for your audition, please pick a song in the style of the show, and a monologue that you feel compliments it. My big request is please do not use an accent while auditioning! During an audition, accents can potentially distract from how hard you have prepared for your audition. We want to see you shine!!
Mary Poppins sings a song called “Anything Can Happen.” It’s an uplifting song where she encourages the Banks’ family to reach beyond the stars and to the heavens, and that anything is possible. This reminded our team of John 14:12, our show verse!
John 14:12 says:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”
Throughout the show, Mary Poppins makes a wide variety of amazing, wonderful things happen! She turns a gloomy park into a wonderland, brings statues to life, and even flies! She brings joy and wonder back into the lives of the Banks family, and it is so sweet to watch that unfold on stage.
How cool is it to think that with Christ, we can do so much more! When we seek Him, the sky is the limit! Mary Poppins tells us to reach for the heavens and that anything is possible. Scripture tells us something similar: we can do all things through Christ, and we are capable of great things with Christ! What seems to be purely imaginary is entirely possible through Him!
My hope is that we are proactive in holding this verse close to our hearts as we go through this show process together! It is such a privilege to get to perform alongside each other in a Christ centered environment. I pray that we keep Him at our focus during this show, and that we continue to remind ourselves that everything we do is only possible through Him!
I can’t wait to get started and see what God has planned for us this season!
With Joy,
Maddie Yardley
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Artistic Team:
Director: Maddie Yardley
Assist. Director: Maddie Driver
Vocal Director: VictoriaTonsfeldt
Choreographer: Sunnie Curda
Stage Manager: Cindy Summers
Intern: Shannon Doerr
Please email the show coordinator, Carol Neill, at Carol@cythouston.org with any questions.
For more information, please visit CYT Houston's Parent Hub.
