The Bearden theatre stage tech crew always faces various challenges as opening day of the fall production approaches.
But this year’s show has brought a unique problem to solve – how to make a teenager fly.
The flying of Mary Poppins is an essential part to the musical, and the theatre program felt that the musical would be incomplete without this element.
As soon as director Mrs. Lauren Andrejko settled on Mary Poppins as the fall musical in May, she began researching ways to recreate Mary Poppins’s famous flying scenes.
“It is an iconic visual to see Mary Poppins fly,” Mrs. Andrejko said.
Although they explored many options, they ultimately decided that the team would use a ribbon lift in order to bring the magical aspects of the musical to life.
The ribbon lift consists of a platform coiled up, similar to one used to hoist pop stars at concerts. Natalie Newman, who is playing Mary Poppins, will receive special training on how to safely use this device in order for the production to run smoothly.
The Bearden theatre program is known for its impressive theatrical skills and holds a reputation for bringing life to the stage, but this type of lift has never been used in a Bearden production.
In order to bring this lift into the production, the theatre program needed to formulate a plan in order to fundraise the money for rental.
Business Crew head Reese Dudych organized various events and managed the business aspect of the production.
“This is definitely one of our more expensive shows,” Dudych said.
They held their annual September Swing event, which raised money through a silent auction, a chili cook-off, and a preview to the production. Additionally, they did a give back program that worked with businesses in the community.
“There’s so many magic elements that take, not only hard work, but also funding,” Dudych said.
The show opens Thursday at 7 p.m. and continues Saturday with two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The production comes to a close with the finale Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase at beardentheatre.com.