Coming soon for your entertainment at Weber High School is the amazing musical: Mary Poppins! If you haven’t bought your tickets, now is the time to do so! You all may know the story of Mary Poppins--a whimsical nanny who soars into town on a mysterious breeze to 17 Cherry Street Lane, and changes the lives of those around her. Everyday is filled with laughter, joy, and love. And every night is spent dancing on the rooftops of London. Mary Poppins is magic—if you so believe!
There are so many who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring a musical to life--most importantly, the director. It is with his unique creativity and vision, along with many other talented individuals, that Director Mark Daniels can do this great work! Daniels has been with Weber High for 11 years and 21 years teaching all together. He tells us that, “The most fulfilling things--hands down--are seeing the student’s faces in anticipation of opening night and hearing them talk about their experiences on closing night. I love seeing the individual confidence that is built when, as a group, the cast have worked toward a common goal and succeeded.” Also helping with the show is Musical Direction is by Scott Wood who is in charge of musical direction and Bailee DeYoung who is directing the choreography.
Senior, Caden Thomas, is thrilled to be part of Mary Poppins this year. He says, “I love the magic that is embedded into the show. There are also so many fun songs and dances that I grew up to.”
Thomas has been heavily involved in theater since he was just 8 years old. And now he is the president of the Productions Company at Weber High. Thomas tells us that, “I found a love for theater by watching small community shows and my sister in her dance recitals and musicals. By the time I got to high school, I made sure that I was going to get the most out of my theater experience.”
Finding the right balance for social life, homework, a job, and family can be overwhelming for any high school student! But when you’re also part of the fall musical it gets very busy! Thomas tells us that, “I usually just have to look at things in perspective and make sure that when I have an opportunity, I’m not only finding time to spend with my family and friends and homework, but also finding time for myself to relax.”
Being able to direct a few scenes on his own in Mary Poppins has been especially fun for Thomas. “It’s been an amazing privilege to step into the shoes of what Mr. Daniels does and see how my vision fits into the rest of the show. Mr. Daniels has trusted me with some of the most iconic scenes and songs; and I couldn’t be happier with my contribution to the show.”
Merick Masters, another talented senior at Weber High School, and currently the Theater Department president, auditioned for Mary Poppins because he says, “I love being in shows. I have been in 25 productions total.”
Some of his most favorite roles he has had the opportunity to play are: Terk in Tarzan, Arthur Humphrey in See How They Run, and Daniel Brown in Pirated. Masters has learned that, “True happiness is found in what makes you truly happy. In Mary Poppins, Mr. Banks does what is necessary in life and the outcome is a dysfunctional family with unhappiness. Bert, on the other hand is free and does what makes him happy.” Masters plays the role of the ever optimistic, Bert.
“I love the magical story and the lessons the musical, Mary Poppins, teaches,” says Masters. “My favorite lesson is ‘Anything Can Happen If You Let It.’ To me, it means that you are the only thing standing between you and your dreams.”
About working with Mr. Daniels, Masters tells us, “He is unlike any director I have worked with. As a director, he does everything in his power to prepare you for a life in the performing arts field. He helps you find motivations and pushes you to become the actor he knows you can be. He is a perfectionist and that is a huge reason why the plays at Weber High are some of the best in the state.”
If you would like to see Mary Poppins, please go to www.wsd.net and look up “Weber High School.” From there, go to their website and click on the link ‘Mary Poppins’ where you will find more information on prices and show times. Enjoy the show!
