Act Too Players goes pro with ‘Mary Poppins’
Act Too Players has been delighting local families with its comprehensive youth theater programs since 2002, producing more than 100 shows in the past 13 years. Designed to instill creativity, confidence and discipline, these classes and camps provide a well-rounded arts education and performance experience for children and teens.
But recently, Act Too’s creative team decided it was time to take things to the next level, unveiling a new professional program called AT Pro (Act Too Pro).
“We wanted a way to utilize the talents, not only of current students and alumni, but also our wonderful instructors,” says artistic director Sondra Morton, who co-founded AT Pro along with managing director Jayme Smith. “Our students are always eager to see their teachers perform, but it’s not always practical — whether due to conflicting schedules or the type of material being produced. We think this is a great way to bring quality, professional theater to Williamson County that’s really geared to families.”
For its inaugural production, AT Pro has selected the heart-warming musical “Mary Poppins.” Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” centers on the troubled Banks family and the unconventional nanny who teaches them that “anything can happen if you let it.”
“One of the things I love most about ‘Mary Poppins’ is that it reminds us we’re only bound by the limitations we put on ourselves,” Morton says. “For me, that’s what theater is all about.”
As a long-time instructor with Act Too Players, Nashville favorite Megan Murphy Chambers seems a “practically perfect” choice to play the the title role. Indeed, the cast features an impressive lineup of local pros, all of whom have been teachers, master class instructors, actors or students with Act Too Players. Billy Ditty will join Chambers as everyone’s favorite chimney sweep, Bert, with Scott Rice and Corrie Miller as Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Other cast members include Erica Haines, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, Vicki White, Lisa Gillespie and Jeremy Maxwell.
“Watching your friends take their passions and turn them into a thriving, high-quality business is thrilling, and Sondra, Jayme and (musical director Jamey Green) are so deserving of the success Act Too is experiencing,” Chambers says. “We’ve all been friends and collaborators for years, so I jumped at the chance to work with them again — and on a dream project to boot. The fact that I’ll get to play a truly iconic role amongst such talented people, while helping Act Too take the next developmental step, delights me. ‘Mary Poppins’ is just the beginning for them, and I can’t wait to get started.”
If you go
What: AT Pro presents “Mary Poppins”
When: Aug. 18-23. Performances at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Where: The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main St., Franklin
Tickets: Starting at $15 (cabaret seating available for $49) via franklintheatre.com or 615-538-2076
Contact: See www.acttoopro.com for more details.