PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The stage in Presque Isle High School’s auditorium transformed into early 20th-century London for the Shipmates Playhouse’s first performance of the beloved Disney musical “Mary Poppins” on Friday, Nov. 15.
A cast of 35 students brought to life fans’ favorite song and dance numbers from the original 1964 film, such as “Jolly Holiday,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Step in Time,” as well as new songs and scenes that were added for the Broadway musical version.
Shipmates Playhouse director Dennis Koch said that the students have made “leaps and bounds” of improvement since rehearsals began earlier this fall. As the cast practiced and perfected the musical’s 25 songs, eight dance numbers and 26 scenes, they learned the value of collaboration and working hard to achieve their ultimate goal.
Staff photos/Melissa Lizotte
Many students took on multiple roles in the story, which often required learning extra lines and musical numbers.
Koch said that before Friday evening’s performance he would tell the students that they should be proud to give what many folks in Aroostook County don’t experience often: live theater.
“I hope they feel comfort in knowing that they’ve finished what they started,” Koch said. “Theater helps build confidence that they can achieve their goals and shows that no goal is ever too big.”
PIHS senior Kailee Cox, who played Jane Banks in the first, third and fifth showing of “Mary Poppins,” has been part of six productions for the Shipmates Playhouse. She said that being part of theater has been a learning experience for her and her fellow performers.
“I think all of us have learned the value of sticking together even when things get difficult,” Cox said.
Throughout the performance audience members cheered and applauded, cementing “Mary Poppins” as a crowd favorite for many generations. Koch said that seeing those types of reactions are always the most rewarding part of any show.
“The most exciting part is hearing the applause and laughter and watching the students’ faces light up when they get positive feedback,” Koch said. “There’s a sense of wonder when you watch theater live.”
Folks who did not catch “Mary Poppins” last weekend can still see the Shipmates Players perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, or at 2 or 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Tickets cost $5 for children and students and $7 for adults.
