Every year, Harrison High School puts on two productions. One, which happens in the fall is the HHS Playhouse production, a play which includes acting, but no singing or dancing. This year’s production of Radium Girls was well-received and enjoyable for everyone involved. Luckily, the HHS Footlight Players are proud to announce that this year’s spring musical is Mary Poppins! The cast this year is full of excited and hard-working actors. Based on the original story of Mary Poppins, the cast is divided into different groups. From the chimney sweeps to family members, every person on stage plays an important role in telling the tale of Mary Poppins. In order to advertise for the musical, the officers of the Footlight Players have been posting Instagram photos and fun facts about different groups in the cast on Instagram. Take a look below to get more familiar with the cast, or visit (https://www.instagram.com/hhsfootlightplayersigsh=NmxpazIxamdxMmx5&utm_source=qr)  to view the posts on the Footlight Players Instagram page!
Come see the show Friday and Saturday, March 7th and 8th at 7 PM, and Sunday, March 9th at 2 PM! Tickets will be sold at the door.

 

 

 

                                                         The Spellers and Mrs. Corry! 

 

The Spellers, a group of lively dancers, are composed of 14 of our most energetic cast members! Eren, Talia, Karinah, Audrey, Hana, Julianna, Seraphina, Gianna, Jessie, Anon, and Joey are members of the HHS Dance Ensemble and take classes with Ms. Toteda, the choreographer of Mary Poppins. Senior Julianna Blackman is also a Dance Captain of the musical and President of the Footlight Players! Luke, Maya, and Ulrich are skilled dancers who are involved in the music and theater programs at HHS. Noa Gropper, one of three seniors in the cast, plays Mrs. Corry, the owner of a talking shop in London. In real life, Noa enjoys singing, writing, and she has been dancing since she was five years old!

 

                                                         The Park Goers and Neighborhood Friends!

Joey Lipple-Smetana, who plays the animated character of Bert, joins Park Goers and Neighborhood Friends to bring the setting of Mary Poppins to life! Alexis, Dylan, Aubrey, and Kyle portray people who go to the park and sing well-known songs such as Let’s Go Fly a Kite and Jolly Holiday. Sophia Campos plays the Bird Woman, a character who teaches the children kindness and the value of seeing people for who they are on the inside. Rosella Paniccia brings to life the friendly neighbor Miss Lark who takes care of her puppy Willoughby. Shane Larkin portrays Admiral Boom, an older gentleman who used to be in the Navy, and sometimes forgets that he isn’t still there. Finally, Ulrich Novak transforms into the character of Neleus, a statue in the park who dances, sings, and plays with the Banks children.

 

                                                                       The Bank Clerks!

The most orderly group in the cast, the Bank Clerks bring precision and order to everything they do. Evan Gessner, who plays Herr Von Hussler, brings a strikingly good German accent and an ‘Herr’ of corruption and greed to the money obsessed character. Thomas Hazelton plays the Bank Chairman, an uptight man who leads the bankers in keeping careful control over every aspect of life. Elvis Njuguna portrays John Northbrook, an honest man who wants to open a factory, and comes to the bank to ask for a loan.

 

                                                                       The Nannies!

Sophomore Tessa Marsico joins freshman Alicia Zihenni in portraying the two main nannies in Mary Poppins. Tessa, who plays Mary Poppins, brings her talent for dancing, singing, and acting to the stage and continues to be a leader in the cast. Tessa was also seen last year in the Footlight Players production of Mean Girls as Gretchen Weiners. Alicia, who plays Miss Andrew, the evil and scary nanny, is on the HHS Debate Team. She, just like Tessa, brings her phenomenal amount of talent to the stage and commits to her character to give a performance that is sure to terrify and impress all audiences. Both girls are members of the HHS Dance Ensemble!

 

                                                                              The Toys!

The Toys of Mary Poppins are children’s toys that come to life in the Bank household’s nursery. Arguably the most eerie group in the cast, the toys are a dynamic group of characters that teach the Banks children the importance of respecting others, even people who may seem unimportant or insignificant. In real life, Isis, Eren, Maya, Karinah, and Audrey participate in chorus at HHS, and Audrey attended Area-All State this past November. Harison, Talia, Micaela, and Rosella were featured in the HHS Playhouse production of Radium Girls this past fall.

 

                                                                       The Banks Family!

The Banks Family, made up of parents, children, and beloved houseboy and housekeeper are an ever-changing group of people struggling to stay connected with each other. In real life, Ella and KC attended Area- All State this year for chorus. Additionally, Charlotte, Theresa, Ella, KC, and Kai traveled to the Catskills for the NYSTEA Theater Conference this past January. The youngest member of the family, Dean, starred in The Music Man last year at LMK as Professor Harold Hill.

 

                                                                          The Sweeps!

A group of actors who love to step in time, The Sweeps are a fun and merry crew! Talia and Audrey dazzle audiences with their acrobatic skills as they balance on the rooftops. Alexa Forgione, a first time cast member brings life to the stage with her tap dancing strength. On the whole, the dancers create an exciting and engaging performance that is sure to thrill.

Meet the cast and come see Mary Poppins Friday and Saturday, March 7th and 8th at 7 PM, and Sunday, March 9th at 2 PM!