Mary Poppins, Jr. Audition Notice:
Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Springfield Little Theatre’s 2024 production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. is sure to captivate in a whole new way: as a “practically perfect” family musical, lovingly brought to life on the Landers stage by a talented and joyous youth cast of performers 18 and under.
The Plot:
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that
“Anything can happen if you let it.”
Why We Love It:
Mary Poppins, the iconic Disney movie, holds a special place in the hearts of many for its timeless storytelling, memorable characters, magical realism, catchy music, positive messages, generational appeal, and nostalgia. Mary Poppins, Jr. will transport audiences into its irresistible story; delight with unforgettable songs such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Step in Time, Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Chim Chim Cher-ee, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious; thrill with exciting dance numbers; and awe with plenty of theatre magic.
The Cast:
Springfield Little Theatre will be holding AUDITIONS for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. in the 4th Floor Rehearsal Studio at the Landers Theatre, 311 East Walnut Sunday, January 28 through Tuesday, January 30 as indicated in the schedule below:
- Ages 8-9—Sunday, January 28, 4:45 p.m.; Ages 10-12—Sunday, January 28, 7:00 p.m.
- Ages 13-15—Monday, January 29, 7:00 p.m.
- Ages 16-18—Tuesday, January 30, 7:00 p.m.
All interested performers ages 8-18 will be led through a movement audition and will be asked to present a memorized vocal selection less than one-minute in length. (There are some speaking roles that do not require singing, and dancers who do not feel comfortable singing by themselves are also welcome to audition. You may indicate Actor Only or Dancer Only on your audition form if applicable.)
A Callback List will be posted Wednesday, January 31 prior to noon. Callbacks will be held Wednesday, January 31 beginning at 6:00 p.m. on stage at the Landers Theatre. Individuals in consideration for principle roles will be provided with materials and asked to sing from the score and/or read from the script at callbacks that evening.
Production Staff
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. will be directed and choreographed by Lorianne Dunn with vocal direction by Susan Gravatt.
Available Roles
All roles are available, including, but not limited to:
Bert, George Banks, Winifred Banks, Jane Banks, Michael Banks, Katie Nana, Mrs. Brill, Robertson Ay, Mary Poppins, Neleus, Bird Woman, Miss Smythe, Chairman, Von Hussler, John Northbrook, Mrs. Corry, Miss Andrew, Policeman, Messenger, Park Strollers, Statues, Penguins, Clerks, Vagrants, Buskers, Passerby, Customers, Kite Flyers, Chimney Sweeps, Honeybees, Ensemble, Dancers
Rehearsals
Most rehearsals for SLT’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings between the hours of 7:00-9:30 p.m. (Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal. It is likely that rehearsals later in the process/closer to opening, will run 6:00-10:00 p.m. Some rehearsals will also be scheduled on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-6:00 p.m.) Auditioners will be asked to specify their availability on their audition forms, listing any and all potential rehearsal conflicts. The first cast and parent meeting will be held Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Landers Theatre Auditorium with rehearsal to follow. The production will run for two weeks—April 10-21. Cast members are required to be available for every performance.
Performances will be held:
Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Underwriter’s Preview Performance; Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., Opening Night Performance; Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 13, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 14, 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., Special Underwriter Performance; Wednesday, April 17, 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 1:00 p.m., Daytime Performances for area schools; Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 21, 2:00 p.m.
Audition Preparatory Workshops
Audition Workshops will be offered Monday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required (please select just one evening to attend). Audition Workshops are a helpful tool; they are not mandatory. Tuition is $30. (A limited number of scholarships are available if finances are a barrier to participation.) Participants will have the opportunity to learn a dance combination, practice their vocal selection with feedback from a clinician, and familiarize with readings from the script.
or call 417-413-2287.
Please direct questions to Lorianne Dunn at 417-413-2287 x110 or ldunn@springfieldlittletheatre.org.e
“Um diddle iddle iddle um diddle ay! Um diddle iddle iddle um diddle ay!”
