Directed by Kristie Mattsson Choreographed by Lauren Blair

Musical Directed by Andrew Lederman and Daniel Koh

Produced by Anne Gesling, Larry Gesling, Spencer Johnson, and Meredith Wright

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

PLEASE Turn all electronic devices to silent

Unwrap anything needed before the show begins Refrain from texting during the performance

No recording or photography

Director’s NotesMetaphorically, Mary Poppins, the Musical, dropped into my life much in the same way as Mary Poppins, the character, drops into the Banks home: unexpectedly, but with purpose.

It’s challenging to write about a show you never intended to even be involved with. Generally, I would write about how deeply tied to the material I was before embarking on it, but the fact is the original directing team which deserted this production, abandoned an incomplete cast and a theater that already started selling seats. Anyone who knows our choreographer, Lauren, and me, knows how important we believe the arts and community to be. To have this particular theater lose so much to this unfortunate situation broke our hearts. Fundamentally, we were far more invested in the people involved, rather than the show itself, and so we set out to stoke some ashes into a flame.

While not the ideal journey to involvement, it’s apropos that the show’s intrinsic themes align with both these circumstances and my own personal philosophies: flawed characters, the humanity of the world beneath the magic, and the reminder to honor what’s meaningful. Thus, like the title character herself, Mary Poppins has worked its way into my psyche. It’s funny how life can bring you exactly what you need. The trick is you have to be open to receiving it.

Of course, it has not been without hiccups. The time for pre-production had well passed, and we needed a village to take on this beast of a show. Every free moment was spent on a myriad of intricacies and long rehearsals. The cast eventually filled out and came together with laughter, excitement, and love. We have been stressed, anxious and lost a lot of sleep, but in the truest of “let’s put on a show in the backyard” spirit, we all shared the determination to make theatre magic come alive.

It would be remiss of me to not take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank our village: Bill, Tom, and Meredith for being so immediately receptive to the change in reins; Anne for her dynamite prop building AND endorsing me in spearheading this while she should have been enjoying her vacation; my husband for never expecting to see me and loving me anyway; The Cast for climbing (and staying) aboard this ship; Ashley, Holly and Daniel for their tremendous talents and assisting in every way they could be of value; Spencer for his logic, foresight, and steady supportive voice; Aric for his camaraderie, brilliance and hysterical laughter; and, finally, Lauren, the finest artistic partner I could ever hope to find and my best and dearest friend. Lauren’s and my friendship coming together so many years ago was a bit of magic in itself for which I am forever grateful.

In a 70-year-old theatre such as The Morgan-Wixson, a show like Mary Poppins is even more of an undertaking, and I hope you will enjoy a few breaks from traditional staging and allow your imagination to take hold as we embark on the Chimney Sweep World of Cherry Tree Lane.

Turn all electronic devices to silent

Unwrap anything needed before the show beginsRefrain from texting during the performance

No recording or photography

and dearest friend. Lauren’s and my friendship coming together so many years ago was a bit of magic in itself for which I am forever grateful.

The Morgan-Wixson, a show like Mary Poppins is even Mary Poppins is even Mary Poppinsmore of an undertaking, and I hope you will enjoy a few breaks from traditional staging and allow your imagination to take hold as we embark on the Chimney Sweep World of Cherry

Mary Poppins, the Musical

SETTING – 1910 LONDON, ENGLAND

The Cast IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Bert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PHILIP MCBRIDE

George Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPENCER JOHNSON

Winifred Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EILEEN O’DONNELL

Jane Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SADIE FISHER

Michael Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETHAN KUWATA

Katie Nana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSEY MURRAH

Policeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KENT NAVARRETTE

Miss Lark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANGELICA ROQUE

Willoughby . . . . . . . . . . . . ELLA WARD (6/29-7/15) / GIANNA PIRA (7/20-8/4)

Admiral Boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOEL D. CASTRO

Mrs. Brill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBORAH MOORE

Robertson Ay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLLISTER STARRETT

Mary Poppins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMANDA GREIG

Park Keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KHEMUNI NORODOM

Neleus / Dance Captain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVE WEBER

Chairman of the Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOEL D. CASTRO

Miss Smythe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JENNA STOCKS

Von Hussler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRIS TIERNAN / ARIC MARTIN (7/27-8/4)

Northbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVEN FLOWERS / SCOTT SENIOR (7/6-7/15)

Bird Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY GABEL

Mrs. Corry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY CIURCZAK

Fannie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OLIVIA SUNDEEN

Annie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRYSTAL MOH

Miss Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KIM PETERSON

ENSEMBLE: JOEL D. CASTRO, KELLY CIURCZAK, STEVEN FLOWERS, KELLY GABEL, CRYSTAL MOH, ROSEY MURRAH, KENT NAVARRETTE, KELSEY NISBETT, KHEMUNI NORODOM, GIANNA PIRA, ANGELICA ROQUE, SCOTT SENIOR, HOLLISTER STARRETT, JENNA STOCKS, OLIVIA SUNDEEN, CHRIS TIERNAN, ROBIN TWITTY, ELLA WARD, HOLLY WEBER, STEVE WEBER, LILY ROSE WEBER

Policeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KENT NAVARRETTE

Miss Lark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANGELICA ROQUE

Willoughby . . . . . . . . . . . . ELLA WARDWARDW (6/29-7/15) / GIANNA PIRA (7/20-8/4)

Admiral Boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOEL D. CASTRO

Mrs. Brill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBORAH MOORE

Robertson Ay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLLISTER STARRETTSTARRETTSMary Poppins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMANDA GREIG

Park Keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KHEMUNI NORODOM

Neleus / Dance Captain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVESTEVES WEBER

Chairman of the Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOEL D. CASTRO

Miss Smythe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JENNA STOCSTOCS KS

Von Hussler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRIS TIERNANTIERNANT / ARIC MARTIN (7/27-8/4)

Northbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVENSTEVENS FLOWERS / SCOTT SENIOR (7/6-7/15)

Bird Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY GABEL

Mrs. Corry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KELLY CIURCZAK

Fannie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OLIVIA SUNDEEN

Annie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRYSTAL MRYSTAL MRYSTAL OH

Miss Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KIM PETERSON

ENSEMBLE: JOEL D. CASTRO, KASTRO, KASTRO ELLY CIURCZAK, K, K STEVENSTEVENS FLOWERS, LOWERS, LOWERS

KELLY GABEL, EL, EL CRYSTAL MRYSTAL MRYSTAL OH, ROSEY MOSEY MOSEY URRAH, KENT NAVARRETTE, AVARRETTE, AVARRETTE

KELSEY NISBETT, KETT, KETT HEMUNI NORODOM, GIANNA PIRA, IRA, IRA ANGELICA

ROQUE, OQUE, OQUE SCOTT SENIOR, ENIOR, ENIOR HOLLISTER STARRETTSTARRETTS , JTARRETT, JTARRETT ENNA STOCSTOCS KS, S, S

OLIVIA SUNDEEN, CHRIS TIERNANTIERNANT , ROBIN TWITTYTWITTYT , WITTY, WITTY ELLA WARDWARDW , ARD, ARD

HOLLY WEBER, ER, ER STEVESTEVES WEBER, ER, ER LILY ROSE WEBER

The Production Team

Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANNE GESLING, LARRY GESLING,SPENCER JOHNSON, AND MEREDITH WRIGHT

Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KRISTIE MATTSSON

Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARIC MARTIN

Music Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANDREW LEDERMAN AND DANIEL KOH

Choreographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAUREN BLAIR

Assistant Choreographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLLY WEBER

Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASHLEY DEFRANCESCO

Costume Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KRISTIE MATTSSON, ANNE GESLING, AND THE THEATRE COMPANY

Set Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOM BROWN

Lighting Design / Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BILL WILDAY

Prop Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANNE GESLING

Assistant Prop and Costume Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEREDITH WRIGHT

Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIRIAM BILLINGTON

Box Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KAREN MILLER

Graphics and Playbill Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA JOYCE BAER

Who’s Who in the ShowJoel D. Castro (Admiral Boom / Chairman of the Board / Ensemble) is a classically trained, award-winning baritone from L.A. and is thrilled to return to the Morgan. He received his BA in Theatre, Classics, and Music from Santa Clara University, and his MM in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge with further training in Graz, Austria. Prominent roles include Pedro in Man of La Mancha, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas, Guglielmo in Così Fan Tutte,and Jud Fry in Oklahoma! He’s an experienced fight choreographer and theatrical photographer who enjoys blacksmithing and pretzel baking.www.jdcphotography.zenfolio.com ig:joeldcastro

Kelly Ciurczak (Mrs. Corry / Ensemble) recently joined the Morgan-Wixson family as the Music Director for Curious George and the Golden Meatball, a Y.E.S. production. Kelly’s recent focus has been choreography and music directing—some of her favorite credits include Spring Awakening, Rent, Shrek, and Once On This Island. Kelly also music directs and performs a cappella with her singing group, the LOLAs. Kelly is so excited to have the opportunity to work with this s-u-p-e-r talented creative team and cast who have literally worked their butts off to make this show happen (o.k., not literally, but pretty close . . .) Enjoy!

Holly Childers Weber (Ensemble / Assistant Choreographer) got her musical theater start at the MWT at age seven and has been hooked ever since. Her favorite roles include Janet Van De Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone, Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Dance and Physics. Holly is very excited to be back on stage after starting a family last year, and would like to thank the cast and crew and especially her husband, Steve, for his love and support!

Lily Rose Weber (Ensemble) (SELECT PERFORMANCES ONLY) This is Lily’s debut performance on the Morgan-Wixson stage! Only a year old, Lily’s accomplishments include dancing in her crib, singing with her mom, and winning the hearts of her fellow cast members. Her parents, Steve and Holly, are thrilled to see their MWT legacy continue.

Sadie Fisher (Jane Banks) age 13, is ecstatic to be playing Jane Banks in this production of Mary Poppins. This is Sadie’s sixth show at the MWT and her second Mainstage performance. Some favorite roles include: Matilda the Musical (Matilda), Seussical the Musical (Who/Cadet), A Winter’s Tale (Young Fan), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck). A huge THANK YOU to Kristie, Aric, Lauren, Anne, Larry, Meredith, Andrew, Amanda and Keith Kraft, Mom, Dad, and Holden. Enjoy the show!

Steven Flowers (Northbroo k / Sweep / Ensemble) is supercalifragilisticabout being in this “jolly holiday” of a show with all of these “practically perfect” people! Hopefully he’ll hit every “step in time,” or Lauren and Holly will use him to “feed the birds.” I hope you enjoy our show, and—if you don’t—well, you can just go “fly a kite!”

Kelly Gabel (Bird Woman / Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre! After a number of years off stage, she is having a blast getting back to her roots and is so honored to be bringing such an iconic song to life. Kelly is an audition coach, helping singers to create a positive mindset and build confidence in their audition skills. She is so thankful to her husband, Glen, for his endless support in all of her “crazy” endeavours! www.triplethreattherapy.com

Amanda Greig (Mary Poppins) is super excited to come back to the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Mary Poppins. It’s a dream role and she wants to thank the entire production team for pulling this magical experience together. Amanda last performed at the MWT as Meg in Little Women(FOREVER!) and in 2017 as Susan in Company. She has been seen on ABC’s American Housewife and CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. She also wants to thank her husband, Michael, for being so supportive. Michael is the winner of the NATIONAL BEST HUSBAND AWARD for six years running! Enjoy the show! www.amandagreig.com @missamandagreig

Spencer Johnson (George Banks) is honored to don the iconic black bowler hat of Mr. George Banks. Previous misguided father-like Morgan-Wixson roles include General Schmitz (Seussical) and Mal Beineke (The Addams Family). Special thanks to Kristie and Lauren for your combined talent, fortitude, and vision in taking on one of the most challenging shows of all time in such a short period of time. Also to Aric for putting your love of acting and teaching into helping bring Mr. Banks to life. And enough thanks cannot be given to the rest of the cast and crew for believing that magic can truly exist both on and off stage. Much love to the ’rents for all their support, the rest of my L.A. family who couldn’t play with us, adorable Corgi videos and, most importantly, hot sauce.

Ethan Kuwata (Michael Banks), age 10, is on a Jolly Holiday in his first Mainstage production at the MWT. He had so much fun with the Y.E.S. cast and crew as Boy Scrooge/Mark Cratchit in A Winter’s Tale and as Curious George in Curious George and the Golden Meatball. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who “Reached for the Heavens” and helped Mary Poppins come to life. Thank you for supporting live theater and enjoy the show!

Philip McBride (Bert) is beyond thrilled to be making his MWT debut, and to be part of the Los Angeles theater scene after many non-performance ventures within the theatre world have carried him from Texas to New York to California, and to all the states in-between. Recent credits include [title of show], It’s Only Life (L.A. Scenie Award), Sister Act, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Big Fish, and All Shook Up. When not performing, Philip uses his spare time to pursue his other passion as an arranger/orchestrator for his music publishing company, Pikakee Music. For Dad and Aunt Phyllis, who have the best seats in the house!

Crystal Bibi Moh (Annie / Ensemble) is astounded to be back on stage! This is her first Santa Monica production and is absolutely thrilled to perform at the MWT. Following in her brother’s theatrical footsteps, she has enjoyed acting, singing, and dancing ever since she was seven. She has done multiple senior musical productions in the small town of El Segundo, and is incredibly grateful to continue working with Kristie and Lauren.( a.k.a. The Dream Team) She would like to thank everyone for all of the love and kind support throughout this difficult time, and asks that you applaud at the end of the show for her legend, her inspiration—Didier Amir Moh. “Go and chase your dreams, you won’t regret it!”

Deborah Moore (Mrs. Brill) is back at the MWT after a 14-year hiatus when her entire family of six, The Moore Family, performed 21 performances of The Music Man. Thank you to the MWT for inviting me back to partner with this talented cast of Mary Poppins! Deborah has performed as Ms. Christabel Pankhurst, suffragette, at the City of Santa Monica’s Living History Day for the past few years. She would like to thank her husband, Don, for his support.

Rosey Murrah (Katie Nana / Sweep / Ensemble) This is Rosey’s sixth show at the Morgan-Wixson. She would like to thank Kristie, Aric, Lauren, Holly, Andrew, Daniel, Ashely, Anne, Larry, and Meredith for all that they have done for this show and theatre! She would also like to thank her parents, Sandy and John Murrah, for always being so supportive and coming to as many performances as they can. She has loved working with this great cast, and is so happy to be a part of Mary Poppins and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Kent Navarrette (Policeman / Ensemble) is currently a student at Santa Monica College. He has recent credits performing in SMC’s productions of Christmas Carol and Into the Woods. Kent is incredibly excited to be a part of Mary Poppins, a beloved childhood favorite. Thanks to Kristie for letting him be involved in his first community theatre show, and to his mother Margaret, and his three sisters Rachel, Natalie, and Mariah for their ongoing support.

Kelsey Nisbett (Miss Lark u/s / Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the MWT stage after The Producers in 2014. She is a graduate of LMU’s film and theater program, and while studying in Russia and Germany, Nisbett performed in Strider and trained in ballet, vocal performance, stage movement, and Stanislavsky and Brechtian methods at the Moscow Art Theater and Bonn Academy for International Education. Since then, Nisbett has played Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Scuttle in Little Mermaid, Kate/Chutney in Legally Blonde, Amber in Hairspray, Hope in Urinetown, Antonia in Man of La Mancha, and ensemble in The Addams Family. Special thanks to her sweetheart Brendan, for the love and support.

Khemuni Norodom (Park Keeper / Ensemble) is an Actor/Singer from Phnom Penh, Cambodia and is thrilled to join the Mary Poppins cast! He has just wrapped up his time with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts Co. where he starred in plays including Reasons to be Happy, Return Engagements, and Working, The Musical. Khemuni was last seen in West Side Story (Chino) at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. Love to my family and friends for their never-ending support! Have a jolly time, and please enjoy the show!www.khemuninorodom.com @khemuninorodom

Eileen Cherry O’Donnell (Winifred Banks) is thrilled for the opportunity of “Being Mrs. Banks” in Mary Poppins as her eighth show at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre. Her favorites include Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd,and taking home Geoffery Awards for her roles in The Producers and Seussical! This USC alumna has been singing and dancing since she was three years old—her stuffed animals and cats thought she was really good! In her time between rehearsals, she loves eating cheese and choreographing for the MTW’s Y.E.S. Program. She sends love to her Mom, Dad, and Family. A huge thanks to the production team for “Saving Mr. Banks”—without you, this literally wouldn’t have happened!! “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Kim Peterson (Miss Andrew / Bird Woman u/s) is thrilled to be making her debut performance at the MWT. No stranger to acting, she has performed in L.A. regional theatres from Fullerton to Torrance to La Mirada to Westchester for over 25 years. Some of her favorite roles are: Into the Woods (Witch), Sister Act (Mother Superior), Anything Goes (Reno), Damn Yankees (Meg Boyd), Robber Bridegroom (Salome), Chorus Line (Sheila/Maggie), Big Fish (Jenny Hill), Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Sound of Music (Mother Abbess/Elsa Shraeder), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Forum (Domina), and Whorehouse (Ginger).

Gianna Pira (Willoughby / Sweep / Ensemble) is beyond excited to perform in her first Mainstage production after being in three Y.E.S. shows among the plethora of musicals performed in throughout her youth. It is an honor to once again be working with Kristie, Lauren, and the phenomenal Anne. Thank you to everyone at the Morgan-Wixson, literally her beloved second home! Be sure to step in time to the jolly holiday of Mary!

Angelica Roque (Miss Lark / Ensemble) As a Southern California native, Angelica is happy to spend her summer in the magical land of London! She was last seen at the Morgan-Wixson as Paulette in Legally Blonde, and can be found singing at Downtown Disney with her a cappella friends in Westbeat (westbeatsings.com @westbeatsings on IG). Angelica is an alumna of The Young Americans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the world through music, and is extremely passionate about music and theatre education. Special thanks to Kristie and Lauren for letting her dust off those tap shoes and join the fun—and to her family for making music as present as love and air.

Scott Senior (Northbrook and Robertson Ay u/s / Ensemble) is honored to be joining this wonderful cast! You may have seen him on the MWT stage as Lucas in The Addams Family, Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Bob in White Christmas, and many more. Scott is currently pursuing a BA in Theater at UCLA. He wants to thank Kristie and Lauren for reaching out and giving him another chance to perform on the stage he grew up on!

Hollister Starrett (Robertson Ay / Ensemble) is really excited to be a part of this show. His recent credits include Bob Cratchit in A Winter’s Tale (National Youth Award), Chase in American Idiot, Vlad Vladikoff in Seussical! The Musical, Drake in Honk! Jr., Alexander T. Wolf in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and Ching Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie. When not singing, dancing, or acting he composes and orchestrates music, plays various instruments, and writes mediocre program bios. A big thanks to Kristie, Aric, Lauren, Holly, and the rest of the wonderful production team for all of their incredible work.

Jenna Stocks (Miss Smythe / Ensemble) grew up in Tahlequah, OK and started training in various styles of dance from age three. After choreographing several musicals locally straight out of high school, she moved to NYC to train at Broadway Dance Center. An opportunity to work directly under Dana Foglia brought her to L.A. where she fell in love with the city and never left. Aside from dancing/performing, she spends her time managing her lifestyle blog @awhimsywonderland. She is ecstatic to join this marvelous cast and to perform in this fun show!

Olivia Sundeen (Fannie / Ensemble) is a classically trained actress and a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Born and raised in California, she trained in England with West End composer Robert Cousins and dreams of becoming a member of the RSC. A fan of Mary Poppins from childhood, she is grateful for such a wonderful opportunity of becoming a member of this thrilling ensemble at the MWT.

Chris Tiernan (Von Hussler / Ensemble) is happy to be back with the MWT—you may have seen him in other productions here such as Little Women (Laurie), [title of show] (Hunter), Seussical (Cat in the Hat), Peter and the Starcatcher (Boy/Peter), and All Shook Up (Chad), or as Robert Martin in TTC’s production of Drowsy Chaperone. He would like to thank Kristie, Lauren, Aric, Spencer, Anne, and Meredith for letting him come play and be a part of the team in whatever way possible, as well as his family, friends, coworkers, and Danny for all of their love and support.

Robin Twitty (Lead Bird Dancer / Sweep / Ensemble) is thrilled to dust off her dance shoes and be back at the MWT after a two-year hiatus in one of her all-time favorite musicals. During the last two years, she has been busy choreographing for El Segundo Youth Drama productions such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Pinkalicious. Past MWT productions include Legally Blonde, The Producers, and Spamalot. She wants to thank this amazing creative team, and to her boyfriend Josh for his love and unwavering support. To her students in the audience—you are ALL capable and talented—keep working and never give up! XOXO

Ella Ward (Willoughby / Sweep / Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of Mary Poppins where an eccentric Grandma bursts onto the stage as a chimney sweep! When not belting out rooftop tunes, Ella can be found watching The Matrix, pre- and post-pondering life itself at school, or making her dog waltz with her. She would like to thank Kristie, Aric, Lauren, Daniel, Ashley, Anne, Larry, and her parents.

Steve Weber (Neleus / Sweep / Ensemble / Dance Captain) is excited to get back to performing this summer after taking a year off to help his wife Holly care for their first child Lily. His favorite roles include Rocky (The Rocky Horror Show), Will Parker (Oklahoma!), and Sir Galahad (Spamalot). Steve has a BS in Accounting from LMU, earned his MBA from USC, and proudly works as Controller for Bel Air Internet. Thanks to Holly for her continued support and special thanks to Steve’s Mom for the endless hours of baby-sitting that allow them to work and perform in this show. Thanks Mom!

Production TeamAnne Gesling (Producer / Prop Design / Costume Design) has been at the MWT for 32 years, and has directed and/or music directed well over 100 productions here. Anne is a Board member, Treasurer for the MWT, and is also the co-founder of the Y.E.S. program (Youth Education/Entertainment Series). She loves designing and building props, and has the blisters and hot glue burns to prove it! A massive thank you to Kristie and Lauren for taking on this huge project at the last minute and doing a bang up job, to Aric and Holly for coming in to assist them, to Spencer for being the driving force for the show while Anne was eating cheese and drinking wine in France, to Tom and Bill for designing (and redesigning) daily during our change in production teams, and to Meredith for being her right and left hand, as well as her right and left brain. And a huge thank you to the cast for hanging in there through thick and thin. Anne honestly cannot conceive how this all came together so quickly, but it did, and she is proud to be a part of the magic!

Larry Gesling (Producer) has been around here a long time, 32 years in fact, and would like to encourage you to become involved in our lovely Theatre—we are always in need of new thoughts and ideas to keep moving in the right direction. Deep appreciation for this talented cast and production team’s hard work and dedication. Larry says: “Theatre is how I keep my Sanity and Thanks for the Therapy! Enjoy the show, I know you will.”

Meredith Wright (Producer / First Assistant to Anne) can make washable stage blood (Sweeney Todd), breakable bottles (Crazy for You), skylarks in flight (Glorious!), and rockets to the moon (Addams Family). She can keep sewing boot covers (Spamalot and The Producers) over and over. She can replace snaps and Velcro and repair zippers (every single production she’s ever worked on). She can help Anne clean up the Sweatshop over and over—and she still keeps coming back for more. Thanks to everyone who HELPED make this production fun, and a Bronx cheer to those who did not.

Spencer Johnson (Producer / Mr. Banks)—See Who’s Who in the Show

Kristie Mattsson (Director / Costume Design) Although Mary Poppins marks her directorial debut at the Morgan-Wixson, she is no stranger to this community having served as the MWT Costume Designer for numerous productions over the last several years, as well as taking home Geoffrey Awards for Best Costume Design for Seussical (2017) and Legally Blonde (2015). Though she has been on a brief hiatus from directing as of late, the development of characters and the artistry of the theater is always present in her daily life as she has been the full-time Costume Designer at Santa Monica College for 15 years now. Besides lending her talents to freelance theaters around L.A. and a variety of educational environments, she has also spent 14 years producing, directing, and mentoring kids involved in El Segundo’s Youth Drama Program. Some of her favorite directorial endeavors to date include The Full Monty, Drowsy Chaperone, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and most especially, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Kristie would like to give thanks to the cast for embracing her and being so dedicated; to this production team for the insane amount of confidence and support; to Lauren for always going above and beyond; to the entire MWT Board; and, finally, to her loving husband who never asks, “Why are you doing this to yourself?”

Aric Martin (Assistant Director) MWT audiences may remember him from such memorable roles as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, Roger de Bris in The Producers, Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q. Regional credits include Guiteau in Assassins, Ariel in The Tempest, and Matt in The Fantasticks. Aric has previously directed Spring Awakening and [title of show] for the MWT. Many thanks to family and friends for their continual love and support.

Andrew Lederman (Music Director) has a BM from New York University in Jazz Piano Performance. Music Director of a 40–show run of the hit Broadway musical Next To Normal, Music Director of the gospel Christmas musical, The First Noel, at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC, Ragtime Pianist at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Associate Conductor for Bebe Winans’ new musical, Born For This, at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage.

Daniel Koh (Music Director) is delighted to be part of this wonderful production team! Recent shows that he has had the joy to perform in and music direct at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre include Little Women (John Brooke), [title of show] (Jeff), Seussical (Mr. Mayor), Company (Male Swing/Paul) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Captain Scott). Other favorite shows that he has music directed include Chicago, Urinetown, 42nd Street, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors and Into the Woods. Daniel received his doctorate in choral conducting from the Yale School of Music, and he is currently serving as the Director of Vocal Music at Windward School. He is also a proud founding member of the Contemporary Choral Collective of Los Angeles (C3LA).

Lauren Blair (Choreographer) joined the MWT family in 2012, and has since choreographed and performed in over two dozen productions including Seussical (Wickersham)—StageSceneLA Outstanding Choreography, Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Addams Family, The Producers (Ulla), Shrek, White Christmas (NYA Outstanding Choreography), Spring Awakening, Beauty and the Beast (NYA Outstanding Choreography), and Spamalot. She made her directorial debut in 2016 with MWT’s Peter and the Starcatcher, and frequently works with the Oregon Cabaret Theatre—Ring of Fire (AD), Noises Off (AD), and Once (Co-Director). Lauren earned her Masters in Theatre Arts and Dance from CSULA in 2013, and has been employed as adjunct faculty and costumer at Santa Monica College since 2009. Thanks to Kristie, Spencer, and the entire cast and crew for all your work on this unexpected adventure! www.laurenblaircreative.com

Holly Weber (Assistant Choreographer)—See Who’s Who in the Show

Ashley DeFrancesco (Stage Manager) has been in theater since she was 13 and has loved every minute of it! She has dabbled in many varying aspects including actor, improvisor, lighting technician, assistant director, junior drama director, assistant stage manager, and stage manager. She found her passion for teaching at a young age as well, and is currently “playing” her favorite role: a fifth grade teacher at American Martyrs School where she also gets to run a weekly improv class with 10–14-year-olds. Ashley is so grateful to have worked with such a spectacular cast and crew at the MWT, and thanks Kristie, Lauren, Aric, and Spencer for the marvelous opportunity to be a part of this show.

Tom Brown (Set Design) has been a professional Set Designer for theater, television, film, and live events since 1975. In his career, he has created over 1,000 set designs of varying media formats and presentation modes, and has taught theater/dance production and set design at Spelman College for over 11 years. He is a four-time winner of the NAACP Theater Award and a three-time winner of the Dramalogue Award for theater set design. Since 1993, Thomas has been a contributing member and set designer for numerous shows at the MWT, and currently sits on the MWT Board of Directors. He salutes the continued success of this theater and all of its staff and supporters, and is very grateful to be a part of such a valuable artistic community.

William Wilday (Lighting Design / Technical Director / Master Carpenter) has Been There and Done That. Didn’t buy the T-shirt.

Meet the cast and ask questions at our

audience talkbacks following the performances on

Friday, July 13th and Sunday, July 29th

Technical Director/Master Carpenter)

Meet the cast and ask questions at our Meet the cast and ask questions at our

audience talkbacks following the performances on

Musical NumbersAct 1

Prologue — Bert

Cherry Tree Lane (Part 1) — George and Winifred Banks, Jane, Michael, Mrs. Brill, and Robertson Ay

The Perfect Nanny — Jane and Michael

Cherry Tree Lane (Part 2) — George and Winifred Banks, Jane, Michael, Mrs. Brill, and Robertson Ay

Practically Perfect — Mary Poppins, Jane, and Michael

Jolly Holiday — Bert, Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Neleus, and the Statues

Cherry Tree Lane (Reprise) / Being Mrs. Banks / Jolly Holiday (Reprise) — George, Winifred, Jane, and Michael

Chim Chim Cher-ee (Winds Do Change) — Bert

A Spoonful of Sugar — Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Robertson Ay, and Winifred

Precision and Order — Chairman of the Board, Von Hussler, and George

A Man Has Dreams — George Banks

Feed the Birds — Bird Woman and Mary Poppins

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious — Mary Poppins, Mrs. Corry, Bert, Jane, Michael, Fannie, Annie, and Customers

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (Reprise) — Bert and Customers

Chim Chim Cher-ee (Twists and Turns) — Bert and Mary Poppins

Chim Chim Cher-ee (Reprise) — Bert and Mary Poppins

15-Minute Intermission

Act 2

Cherry Tree Lane (Reprise) — Mrs. Brill, Michael, Jane, Winifred, Robertson Ay, and George

Brimstone and Treacle (Part 1) — Miss Andrew

Let's Go Fly a Kite — Bert, Park Keeper, Jane, and Michael

Good for Nothing — George

Being Mrs. Banks (Reprise) — Winifred

Brimstone and Treacle (Part 2) — Mary Poppins and Miss Andrew

Practically Perfect (Reprise) — Jane, Michael, and Mary Poppins

Chim Chim Cher-ee (Reprise) — Bert

Step in Time — Bert, Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, and the Sweeps

Step in Time (Reprise) — Bert, Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, and the Sweeps

A Man Has Dreams (Reprise) / A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise) — George and Bert

Anything Can Happen — Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Winifred, Bert, Mrs. Corry, and the Company

A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise)

Anything Can Happen (Finale)

Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson TheatreThe Morgan-Wixson is one of the oldest arts organizations in Santa Monica but, true to its dramatic mission, it is constantly reinventing itself. The organization was founded in the 1940s, with the present theatre building being constructed in the 1960s with mostly community volunteer labor. Geoffrey Morgan was a prominent Santa Monican, playwright, and orator who also served as a State Assemblyman. Mel Wixson, whose name was added in 1981, was also a long-time Santa Monica resident and actor who died shortly after performing on our stage. Thanks to their vision, and the dedication of many like them, the Morgan-Wixson has been the home of hundreds of productions from across the performing arts spectrum and is known as a place where talent can train, theatrical passions can be sustained, and the community can be engaged in live theatre that entertains, enriches, and educates.

Explore “Behind the Scenes” at the MWT

Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)-(3) theatre for the community, and we’re always interested in expanding our organization with new talent and energy.

Donors — This play was made possible, in part, through tax-deductible donations from grateful patrons just like you. Ticket revenue covers a portion of the MWT’s operating costs, but royalties, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and more means that we depend upon our donors’ generosity (any amount!) to assist us in defraying these expenses. Thank you for helping keep this small, independent theatre alive and thriving in Los Angeles!

Volunteers — The play you are enjoying is a collaboration of many different people. We are seeking volunteers to assist with ushering, hospitality, auditions, set construction, painting, props, sound, lights, costume design and alterations, promotional activity, and other aspects of the theatre. No experience is necessary to begin—some of us came in to see a show and we’re still here! Email volunteers@morgan-wixson.org or visit https://www.morgan-wixson.org/volunteer

Membership — Participating Members are individuals interested in making a longer commitment by assisting with at least three productions, attending occasional member meetings, and paying annual membership dues (Individuals : $35, Immediate Families: $60). Members receive admission to each Mainstage production, the right to vote at meetings, and the benefit of attending (and voting for) the annual Geoffrey Awards night. For further details visit www.morgan-wixson.org /membership.General Membership (same benefits, no commitment) (Individuals : $75, Immediate Families: $150).

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2018–2019 Season!

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Fixin' the Morgan-Wixson – Phase I: The Seats ~ Seat Donors as of June 11, 2018 ~

Individual Sponsorships

The Rotary Club of Santa MonicaLewis | Schoeplein Architects

Kids on Stage, Inc.Westside Children’s Theatre

Corporate Sponsorships

Andrea AbramsMarilyn & Jigmae BaerThe Bard/Ryan Family

Al BarlaanStephen BillingtonMiriam Billington

Zoe BillingtonFrancesca Billington

Daisy BillingtonLauren Blair

Lois BostwickValeri Braun

Pat Ibsen BrooksLucy & Jim BurksThe Callen Family

Lyn CampbellFrank Campbell

Kathy Caverly & David ArataSofia Cohen

The Cohen FamilyChristima CoxBrendan Craig

The D’Andrea FamilyClayton Davis

Sophie DavisonJohn Eiden

J’Quinn & Edan EinbinderAnnaLisa EricksonBeanie FeldsteinRichard FeldsteinSharon FeldsteinHarriet Finebaum

Sadie & Holden FisherArden FranklinAlan Freedland

Cindy FreedlandJason FreedlandSara Freedland

Mr. G.Earl Garnes

The Gee FamilyJim & Caroline GerstleyAnne & Larry Gesling

Sophie GolayLuna & Mia Gorlick

Arielle GreenShirelle Green

Alison Miller HavelMichael Jackson-HeimosAndre Jackson-Heimos

Ben HelscherThe Hirshland FamilyThe Hochman FamilyThe Holscher Family

Spencer JohnsonJanet Johnson

Cheryel L. KananDebbie Kanan

The Karpel & Combs FamilyTheodore KinsellaMargarita Kouzel

Daisy KouzelEthan Kuwata

The Lapeyre FamilyAnnie LaskeyTom Laskey

Thea LawsonToby Lehr

Robert LevorPaul Block-LevorDon & Mary Lloyd

Jim & Alice LunsfordGreg & Momoyo Martin

The Matsuda FamilyThe Meisel Family

The Minobe-Wilday Family

The Moore-Moseley FamilyMilla Moretti

Chris MorrisonThe Murrah Family

The Nibbelink FamilyMarc & Shaina Ostroff

Lexie PalmerThe Palmer/Schrader Family

Janet & Joe PaquetteKrystal & Jim Rheinwald

Quinn RobinsonSaul SaladowPepe SaladowFrodo Saladow

Mary Beth SciarabbaCynthia Sembower

Neil SembowerSheila Cole-Sherman

In Memory of Susan D. SmithHollister Starrett

David & Stephanie SternRiley & Morgan Stoler

Dahlia TrillingIn Memory of

Patricia Verchot-Van DykThe Vig Family

Evelyn VizziSteve Vizzi

Nicholas VizziMimi VizziElla Ward

Aydin Larenz WashingtonThe Weber FamilyJennifer Weinstein

Christa & William WilkMel Wixson & Grace Godino

Meredith WrightChristine Wright Roper

Fixin' the Morgan-Wixson – Phase I: The Seats ~ Seat Donors as of June 11, 2018 ~

Donations to the Fund

Cristina AmayaJoe AndersonLinda Avdul

Malona BadeltJeff BorensteinShane Burgun

Lucy BurksKim Bushell

Brenna CanelliAnn CherryAmy ColesAlex Dalton

Devon DavidsonMegan Hudson Ehlers

Anne EscaronAriella Salinas FioreKeith & Jodi Fisher

Mark Levin & Jennifer Flackett

Lois FliegelSteven Flowers

Jacqueline GodokissKishka GrantzAmanda Greig

Sonia GrosKelli Haas

Marlene Hutton Hazen

Ellen HiruaBonnie Hofert

Melissa HolmesAnne Jarmain

Adrienne JohnsonSpencer JohnsonCecilia Johnston

Denise KatoStephanie Kaufman

Margarito KouzelJanet Krajeski

Sheeva LapeyreKimberly Lathroum

Scott LehrSam Levor

Abigail LufkinPaul LuomaAric Martin

Suzanne MayesMary McGowanTom McMahonHitomi MomoseDanielle Morris

Jerelyn NewmanEileen Cherry O’Donnell

Serena Siracusa PiraPaul Prado

Marcia PryorMelissa y QuiliciLizanne Rebello

Ken & Jan RectorFelix Rendon

Michael RodriguezPaola Rodriguez

Sabrena RodriquezSadie SaltzmanZelda SaltzmanMichele Sexton

Riddhi ShahSarah Shaw

Laura SheehanDianna Critzas Tate

Marina Curtis TidwellJamila Valiente

Deb Novess VerlaAnn Villella

Leslie Lindsey WardHope WintnerMarci Wiser

Jim WitoszynskiCurt Wittig

Jennifer WolfIhor Yaskiw

Suzanne Zabloudil

Your Last Chance to Sponsor a Seat!

This fall, we will be replacing every seat to ensure our patrons’ comfort. Please support us and sponsor a NEW seat for $300! Or make a donation toward “Fixin’ the MWT”

A seat sponsorship makes a terrific gift—the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary with the theatre buff in your life. Either visit www.morgan-wixson.org / support and click on “Donate” to sponsor a seat, or call us at 310.828.7519. All donations are tax-deductible.

The Morgan-Wixson Theatre Fundraising

Heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organizations who so generously supported our fundraising events throughout the 2017–2018 season.

Asian BoxAquarium of the PacificBattleship Iowa Museum

The Bel Air TreehouseThe Broad Museum

Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA

DusitD2 Hotel Constance PasadenaJim Esparza (Magic Castle)

The Huntington Library & GardensThe Huntley Hotel Penthouse Restaurant

Island PackersLa Mirada TheatreLares Restaurant

M Street KitchenMagic Mania (Magic Monday)

Natural History Museum & La Brea Tar Pits

Ocean & Vine RestaurantThe OP Cafe

Pasadena Museum of HistoryPasadena Playhouse

Rotary Club of Santa MonicaSkirball Cultural Center

Theatre PalisadesTopanga Canyon Inn Bed

and BreakfastWill Geer Theatricum Botanicum

Morgan-Wixson Theatre Gift CertificateSeeing a show at our theatre makes a delightful present —

a simple way to offer a special day

to the theatre buff in your life.

Available at the Box Office — No Expiration Date

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