Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre’s ‘Mary Poppins’ opens Nov. 13 in Richland

Emily Smith was familiar with Mary Poppins long before she nabbed the title role in Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre’s upcoming production.

She watched the movie often as a young girl. In fact, it was popular enough in her house that her older sister once dressed as the iconic nanny on Halloween.

So stepping into Mary Poppins’ shoes for the local show has been a special experience, Smith said.

“It’s fun to think that I’m doing the same thing Julie Andrews did. It is this big, iconic part,” she said.

The show opens Nov. 13 at Richland High School.

The cast includes about 40 performers, ages 9 to 80. It’s a talented and hard-working group, said Deb Donahoe, the director.

Along with Smith, the leads include Scott Whitemarsh as Bert, Sam Shick as Mr. Banks and Juliet Roxburgh as Mrs. Banks.

Tri-City theater veterans Molly Holleran, Anna Newbury and Megan Johnson also take part, along with Joyce Bean in a surprise role.

James Jones is the musical director, and Sue Shick is producing.

Smith, 23, is a fresh face in the local performing arts scene, recently relocating to the area after college at Eastern Oregon University.

But she’s no stranger to the stage. She comes from a musical family, performing and taking voice lessons since she was a kid.

She studied music and theater in college.

For her, acting is something fun — an “outlet to do something different and extraordinary,” she said.

Audience members who — like Smith — grew up with the Mary Poppins movie will find plenty that’s familiar in the stage musical. However, it’s also a bit different, hewing a little more closely to P.L. Travers’ books.

“For me, the show really is about the healing of a family,” Donahoe said. “It’s how they rediscover what a true family is. Mary Poppins is a catalyst that helps them rediscover that.”

Smith said her character’s mission is “to help the family get control of things.”

When the nanny first arrives, “everything is kind of screwy. The kids are acting out, the dad is very detached from the family, the mom is a very self-conscious woman trying to take on the role of mother,” Smith said. “Mary Poppins steps in and quickly puts things in order, helps them gain confidence and get their priorities straight, all the while showing the kids there is still fun and magic in the world.”

Audiences can expect a magical time, Smith said.

“It’s a really good show, good for all ages,” Smith said. “I hope a lot of people come.”

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-14, 20-21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 14 and 22 at Richland High School, 930 Long Ave.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students and children. They’re available at 509-947-0562, www.mcmt.tix.com and Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet and Adventures Underground in Richland.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 9:59 PM with the headline "Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre’s ‘Mary Poppins’ opens Nov. 13 in Richland."