The excitement is mounting for the Drayton Entertainment production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, the inaugural production at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge.
“The calibre of talent on stage for this production is going to be unparalleled,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas. “Our all-star team includes a mix of seasoned Broadway performers and up-and-coming talent, as well as some perennial audience favourites who have appeared in productions at various Drayton Entertainment theatres.”
Following earlier announcements of Jayme Armstrong as Mary Poppins, and Mark Ledbetter as Bert the chimney sweep, on Feb. 4 Mustakas announced the complete cast of 24 performers.
James Kall, who starred in to Drayton Entertainment’s production of Sleuth, tackles the role of Mr. Banks. Fresh off a performance as the dreadful Miss Hannigan in Annie at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, Jackie Mustakas assumes the role of Mrs. Banks.
In the roles of the Banks’ children, four youngsters will rotate performances during the eight-week run. Avery Kadish and Hadley Mustakas will share the role of Jane Banks. Trek Buccino and Jayden Greig will share the role of Michael Banks.
This production also features a number of Drayton Entertainment veterans including Keith Savage, star of countless productions such as Annie, Harvey, Twelve Angry Men, How The Other Half Loves, and Country Legends, is cast as the park keeper.
He is joined by Karen K. Edissi, who has appeared on the Drayton stage for the past 20 years, as Miss Lark, a prim and posh neighbour of the Banks family.
Rebecca Poff, who played Mother Superior in The Sound of Music at the Drayton Festival Theatre last season is the mysterious Mrs. Corry who runs the “Talking Shop.”
Another audience favourite, Karen Wood is the Bank’s headstrong cook, Mrs. Brill.
Ted Simonett, who received glowing reviews for his performance as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, takes on the role of the Banks’ neighbour and naval officer, Admiral Boom.
Jayne Lewis plays the stern Miss Andrew. Lewis was last seen on stage in the fall as the treasured secretary of Mr. Warbucks in Annie.
Gregory Pember is the odd-job man for the Banks family, Robinson Ay. Ryan Gifford, Sarah Harries, Jessica Horn, Chad McFadden, Sarah Matton, Jason Sermonia, Patrick Stiles, Jen Taylor, and Arthur Wright round out the ensemble cast.
Mary Poppins enjoys an eight-week engagement from March 6 through April 28.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, by phone at (519) 621-8000 or toll free 1-855-372-9866, or in person at the box office, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
