Faculty, family members and classmates gathered in the auditorium of P.S. 207, at 4011 Fillmore Avenue, as the Fillmore Academy Drama Club performed its theatrical production of the classic Disney movie, Mary Poppins.
Performing on two nights (January 22nd and January 23rd), the drama club sang their hearts out and recited their lines while never reverting to their native accents, as the show followed the story of Jane and Michael (Chloe Cruz and Paul Ligresti), English children of the strict but wealthy Banks family, who are now under the care of the magical, firm but never harsh, nanny Mary Poppins (Zoey Ramos).
Under the care of Poppins and a dance sequence with her Cockney chimney-cleaner friend, Bert (Charlie Gwinn), the siblings attempt to pass some of their nanny’s positive outlook to their busy parents.
“I always look at the talent that I have in front of me, and I think about the strengths of the kids in the drama club,” Director Kimberly Simek said. “Mary Poppins is a fabulous and classic story, and I thought it was something that they could handle and they absolutely are handling it. Their talent, especially their British accents, has been near perfect since the start of the rehearsals.”
Each of the actors and actresses brought their unique presence to the stage, such as Cruz and Ligresti; the two showed their character needed guidance, while their father (Ethan McGinnis), though still so very young, managed to display burden of a family man trying to support his family.
Special mention goes to Ramos, who played the titular character and never lost her accent.
“It actually feels so surreal because this is the first time I’ve ever gotten a main role in one of these shows,” Ramos said. “I’ve loved being on the stage my whole life ever since I was little. And this is really a big moment for me.”
Mary Poppins JR is just the beginning as more productions are set for the school year.
“It has been very exciting to see so many fresh faces and personalities up on stage,” Simek said. “This new group has been incredibly dedicated as far as picking up choreography, knowing their entrances and exits, knowing all of their lines and being prepared even without 20 something upperclassmen to show them what to do. They’ve really taken the onus on themselves to step up to the plate and put together a great show.”
