The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presents “Mary Poppins Jr.” Feb. 20 to 22 at the Trenton Village Theater, with: Emeline Searles (top row left) as Jane, Ava Sturgill double-cast as Mary Poppins and Jimi Sherrard as Michael; and: Braydon Revoir (bottom row left) as a sweep, Matthew Bond as a sweep, Melanie Walker double-cast as Mary Poppins, Isaac Clark as Bert, Matthew Banks as a sweep and Karsyn Smith as a sweep. For tickets and more information, go to dypac.com.
Whether you’re looking for family fun or an adult dramatic comedy, there are plenty of choices on local stages, as the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presents “Mary Poppins Jr.,” the Southgate Community Players perform the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company offers “Poor Clare,” a dramatic comedy about St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi.
DYPAC PRESENTS ‘MARY POPPINS JR.’
The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center presents Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins Jr.,” a musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, with original music and lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman and book by Julian Fellowes.
It also features new songs, music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Director Nathan Vasquez said the 1964 film “Mary Poppins,” one of Disney’s award-winning, crowning achievements, is his favorite movie as well.
“I was 11 years old when my parents brought home a VHS copy to watch with my siblings and I ended up watching it three times in a single day, and many more times since then,” he said. “It wasn’t long after that I discovered they made a stage musical based on the film, with new songs, and I was hooked.”
Vasquez said the musical incorporates many elements of the film and Travers’ books.
“I have spent many, many years wanting to bring this musical to the stage, and I am excited it gets to be with this incredible group and this amazing cast,” he said.
Vasquez said blocking and choreographing a cast of 60, with some of the key roles double cast, is challenging, but it is exciting to work it into the fun elements the creative team is preparing for the show.
He said his inner child surfaces during rehearsals.
“Being able to choreograph musical numbers that have been such a huge part of my life has been a real joy,” he said. “I mean, how often do you get to come up with a tap dance for ‘Step in Time’ with a large group of chimney sweeps?”
Vasquez said the fun they are having during rehearsals will radiate to the audience during performances, with its strong cast, splendid costumes, colorful sets and props, and Broadway style production numbers.
“There’s really only one word to truly describe it, and that’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” he said.
Skye Baxter, who plays the Bird Woman, said she has enjoyed meeting the cast members who play her birds, while Chelsea Kings, who plays Mrs. Corry, said learning the choreography for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was both challenging and fun.
Liberty Steege, who plays Mrs. Banks, said it has been challenging to learn a British accent as well as to understand her character’s mindset.
Aubrie Bacon, who plays the evil nanny Miss Andrews, said she’s flattered when her friends tell her that her performance is scary.
“I forcefully feed kids nasty beverages,” she said.
Others in the cast include: Hannah Ash, Matthew Banks, Matthew Bond, Nicholas Bond, Georgia Boyd, Avery Brooks, Chloe Brooks, Lola Burk, Sloane Cannon, Isaac Clark, Jake Collins, David Davis, Harper Davis, Emmaleigh Decker and Beckett Dettore.
Also: Talia Drumgo, Josie Floetke, Stella Franklin, Layton Gonsalez, Alicia Harris, Delia Henderson, Zack Klavinger, Ellie Knapp, Allison Langlet, Evan Langlet, Charley Lesko, Evelyn Lombardo, Luke Lombardo, Makenna Lombardo and Aurora Mitchell.
In addition: Fiona Oliverio, Vera Ottenbreit, Ellington Petrarca, Pennington Petrarca, Brady Pippin, Max Pratt, Will Pratt, Braydon Revoir, Aaron Robertson, Jace Robertson, Noah Rodriguez, Leo Safko, Avery Scrivner, Eliana Searles, Emeline Searles and Jackson Searles.
Others in the cast include: Jimmy Sherrard, Karsyn Smith, Ava Sturgill, August Thomas, Cecilia Walker, Mary Walker, Melanie Walker, Anna Whalen and Aurora Zmijewski.
Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21, with 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 matinees at the Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson Ave. in Trenton.
Preferred seats are $15, with other seats $13 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To order, go to dypac.com.
The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company presents Chiara Atik’s “Poor Clare,” featuring student actor Gracie Sheets, Feb. 13 to 22 at the Detroit Mercy Black Box Theater at the University of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols campus. Tickets may be purchased online at DetroitMercyArts.com.
DETROIT MERCY THEATRE COMPANY PERFORMS ‘POOR CLARE’
The new Black Box Theater at University of Detroit Mercy presents Chiara Atik’s dramatic comedy, “Poor Clare,” a modern retelling of the story of St. Clare of Assisi.
Clare, born into wealth in Italy in 1211, has her privileged life turned upside down when she meets Francis of Assisi, who serves the poor and has renounced material goods and his social status. Inspired by his example, Clare takes a close look at her own life, and learns what it means to live with purpose and integrity.
Director Kez Settle said the story is topical and timeless in its relevance.
“There is so much to mine in this play, and the sacrifices that both Clare and Francis made for the greater good really gives one pause to take stock in our own lives,” she said. “They both listened to the call of God and took great strides to answer and take action and personal accountability.”
Settle said the story will intrigue history buffs as well.
“This will provide you with lots of questions for the Google search and history book deep dives,” she said.
Sarah Rusk, managing director of the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company, said the show is the second in the Black Box Theatre following the company’s return to the McNichols campus.
“This story deeply reflects the university’s mission to educate competent, compassionate leaders who are prepared to serve the world,” she said. “It offers a meaningful way to celebrate the shared charisms of the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy that guide our work, and it felt especially fitting to incorporate those values into our first season back on campus.”
The cast includes Gracie Sheets as Clare, Raul Lopez as Francis of Assisi, Riley McDevitt as Beatrice, Chisomaga Nwoke as Alma and The Poor, Li Udell as Peppa and The Poor, La donte’ Hatfield as a beggar and a servant, and guest artist Leanne Young as Ortolana.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21, with 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22 matinees at the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theater on the University of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols campus.
General admission is $25, with $18 tickets for seniors, faculty, staff and alumni, and $10 tickets for veterans and students.
For more information or to order tickets, go to DetroitMercyArts.com.
The Southgate Community Players present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Feb. 20 to 28 at the SCP Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate, with Aleigha Parrack (left) as Woodstock, Heaven Lang as Lucy, Odera Office as Schroeder, Kaitlyn Cross as Sally, Rob Douglas as Charlie Brown and Antoinette Flores as Snoopy. For tickets and more information, go to scponstage.com.
SCP PRESENTS ‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’
Southgate Community Players present the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Feb. 20 to 28 at the SCP Corner Playhouse.
The show is based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner, additional dialogue by Michael Mayer and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.
The SCP production is directed by Liza Altenburg, with vocal direction by Sarah Altenburg, choreography by Kimberly Cason, and assistant directed and choreographed by Adriana James.
The cast includes Rob Douglas as Charlie Brown, Kaitlyn Cross as Sally Brown, Jair Alexander as Linus Van Pelt, Heaven Lang as Lucy Van Pelt, Odera Office as Schroeder, Antoinette Flores as Snoopy and Aleigha Parrack as Woodstock.
Through vignettes and songs, Charlie Brown and his sidekicks learn life lessons as they play baseball, struggle with homework, cope with crushes and celebrate the simple joys of life.
Director Liza Altenberg said the cast brings heart and authenticity to the Peanuts gang.
“What’s been most special is watching how collaboratively everyone has leaned into the simplicity and sincerity of the story,” she said. “‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ reminds us that you don’t have to have everything figured out to be worthy, lovable or hopeful, which honestly feels like a public service announcement right now.”
Cross said the Peanuts characters have always been special to her and playing Sally is a dream role.
“I love being able to feel so youthful and being able to work creatively with the cast and production team,” she said. “It’s so special to be able to bring these iconic characters to life.”
Office said she’s grateful for the all-encompassing experience of being part of the cast.
“For me, this show is just happiness, the joy you get from doing the thing you love to do,” she said. “The joy of supporting your friends.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28, and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 28 at the SCP Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. To order online, go to scponstage.com.