"Winds in the East, mist comin' in..." What memory just came to mind? How about "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" OR "Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring!"
Both my mom and step-mom spent a majority of my childhood reminding me that Mary Poppins was their favorite movie, humming and singing the songs every time the famed nanny's name was uttered. I was basically raised on Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I have a generous portion of the Sherman Brothers canon forever engrained in my memory; you likely do as well.
Still, as one of Spotlight's youngest directors, I feel I may be unqualified to be reinterpreting a classic story such as Mary Poppins. I never saw Mary Poppins on the big screen or eagerly awaited a yearly television broadcast. Who am I to make Mary's magic real? But, feeling unqualified doesn't do the artist much good, so instead, I've tried to regard the opportunity with respect and gratitude. And in the process, I have learned Mary herself, her magic and the story P.L. Travers so beautifully crafted transcends generations, regardless of age.
As a team (of nearly 200 students, directors, parents and volunteers) we have focused our hearts on Matthew 11:25 while stepping [in time] through this process. Just as Mary's work can only be done in the hearts of children, our heavenly father's work is revealed to the childlike. What better place to return to a place of childlike faith, wonderment, and expectation than the theatre?
Watching these kids rediscover these songs and characters makes Mary's magic real for me. Building this show with a directing team who not only sees my vision but empowers and betters it with their own talents makes Mary's magic real for me. Working with parents who remember the movie fondly, yet still work to create new elements for a familiar story makes Mary's magic real for me. Having you in our audience tonight makes Mary's magic real for me. Regardless of what comes to mind when you hear these songs, it is my prayer your evening at the theatre reminds you this...a spoonful of sugar DOES help the medicine go down, it IS a Jolly Holiday with Mary, HE reveals his truth to the childlike, and ANYTHING can happen if you let it.
With a grateful heart,
Matthew Silar
Director
