This year North Port High School’s musical theater class is putting on the production of Disney’s Mary Poppins. Students have been working hard on this production since before winter break, as they auditioned the week before break. When students returned, the show was in full swing. They rehearse in class as well as multiple times a week after school, working with Mrs. Slay on dancing, and Mr. Sommer on singing to perfect the songs, dancing and blocking. Students from Nort Port High School’s orchestra are also putting in hard work playing in the pit providing a soundtrack. The week before a show, the cast and crew have rehearsal every day until 6-7p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 10-11 p.m. the rest of the week, in addition to performing for the high school students the Friday during school. Followed by the shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Moreover, Mr. Oliver and Mr. McKelvy work together to design and create the set with the help of the stage craft students while Ms. Henderson directs the show as well as creating everyone’s costumes and props.  

Another side of productions that can be overlooked is the technical side. Behind the scenes, many students are needed to help move the show along. Back stage, Assistant stage managers, Zaccary Trimarco (‘22) and Peter Bostrom (‘22), help guide: students on the fly system that moves all curtains and signs, running crew who moves the set pieces, and costume crew that helps with any costume changes and issues. The show also has Props masters, Grace Williams (‘22) and Kyla Burns (‘23) who make sure the props are where they are supposed to be in the beginning of a show, move them during the show if needed and make sure they are all accounted for at the end. In the tech booth there is the light board operator, and two soundboard operators. Also, in the tech booth is the stage manager, Genevieve Devries (‘22), who does what is referred to as calling the show. During the show they must give cues for lights, sound and scenery changes as well as making sure everything is in order before and after the show, which usually requires knowing the show inside and out.  

The story follows George Banks, starred by Dave Pitts (‘22), and Winifred Banks, starred by Julia Fritz (‘24) as they try to control their wild children Jane and Michael. Jane, starred by Kylie Staub (‘25), and Michael, starred by Jay Chavarria (‘24), send nanny after nanny out the door unable to handle their shenanigans. While discussing a new nanny, a mysterious woman, Mary Poppins, starred by Michelle Zabalo (‘23), appears at the door. Michelle Zabalo who plays Mary Poppins explains when she found out she got the part of Mary, “I was in the middle of the mall, and I screamed in excitement.” She is a relief for Mr. And Mrs. Banks as she brings a sense of discipline and magic into their lives. Mary takes the children on many adventures including the park where they meet Bert, starred by Charles Page (‘23), and learn to look past appearances as Mary showcases her magic bringing the park to life. Michael, played by Jay Chavarria (‘24), wishes “people knew how much hard work we put into it [Mary Poppins] because I cannot tap for the life of me, and I am doing my best”. Mary saves the day on multiple occasions while taking the kids on another trip with Bert who introduces them to his friends, the chimney sweeps, in the endearing tap number, Step in Time. Mary continues to struggle to unite the family together and teach them to follow their heart, will she succeed? See the magic come alive and hard work pay off on Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday April 10th at 3:00 p.m. at North Port High Schools Performing Arts Center.  

Short version: 

This year North Port High School’s musical theater class is putting on the production of Disney’s Mary Poppins. The story follows George Banks, starred by Dave Pitts (‘22), and Winifred Banks, starred by Julia Fritz (‘24) as they try to control their wild children Jane and Michael. Jane, starred by Kylie Staub (‘25), and Michael, starred by Jay Chavarria (‘24), send nanny after nanny out the door unable to handle their shenanigans. While discussing a new nanny, a mysterious woman, Mary Poppins, starred by Michelle Zabalo (‘23), appears at the door. Michelle Zabalo who plays Mary Poppins explains when she found out she got the part of Mary, “I was in the middle of the mall, and I screamed in excitement.” She is a relief for Mr. And Mrs. Banks as she brings a sense of discipline and magic into their lives. Mary takes the children on many adventures including the park where they meet Bert, starred by Charles Page (‘23), and learn to look past appearances as Mary showcases her magic bringing the park to life. Michael, played by Jay Chavarria (‘24), wishes “people knew how much hard work we put into it [Mary Poppins] because I cannot tap for the life of me, and I am doing my best”. Mary saves the day on multiple occasions while taking the kids on another trip with Bert who introduces them to his friends, the chimney sweeps, in the endearing tap number, Step in Time. Mary continues to struggle to unite the family together and teach them to follow their heart, will she succeed? See the magic come alive and hard work pay off on Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday April 10th at 3:00 p.m. at North Port High Schools Performing Arts Center. 

Full interviews: 

Questions for Michelle: 

How do you feel about taking on such a big role (Mary Poppins)? 

“I am very nervous and excited” 

How have you been preparing? 

“I’ve been watching the movie hundreds of times to get into character” 

What are you most excited about regarding the show? 

“Excited to perform, sing and dance and share what we’ve done here to everyone else” 

How did you feel about being cast as Mary Poppins? 

“I was in the middle of a mall, and I screamed” 

Jay: 

What is your favorite part about playing Michael? 

  “That I get to be in a lot of scenes and I’m busy and not just standing in one place waiting to go onstage” 

What are you most excited about regarding the show? 

“I’m most excited for afterwards if any children would like to come up for a picture”  

What do you wish people knew about the show? 

“I wish people knew how much hard work we put into it [Mary Poppins] because I cannot tap for the life of me, and I am doing my best” 

What do you hope for, for future productions? 

“Well, Michelle has this little theory that we might do west side story, we won’t, but hopes and dreams exist”