MARY POPPINS

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From The Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to the Players Guild Theatre at Kent State University at Stark and our 93rd season!

Certainly the world has changed a lot since our founding in 1932.  One thing that hasn't changed, our dedication to providing a home for artists and actors to share their talents with our community in Stark County.  It is a proud history of quality live theatre presented by a passionate team of people who love the art form.  But maintaining the long tradition, (we're one of the oldest, continuously operating theaters in the nation), comes with many challenges, and those challenges have only increased over the past few years.  Rising costs, funding cuts for the arts and the lingering effects of the pandemic have stretched us in ways we've never known.  However,  what I have come to love about this community, is its ability to rally when called upon.  With that said, I am asking for your help, if you would take just a moment to invite two people to join you at our next production - folks who have either never attended a Guild production, or haven’t attended in a long time - we could secure the future of this great institution, insuring that live theatre remains a vital part of our community!

As I have said so many times, theatre does not exist without an audience, and we can't exist without you!  Thank you for supporting us by being here tonight!

Enjoy the show!

Josh

Original London and Broadway Production Credits:

Produced by

Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher

Scenic and Costume Design

Bob Crowley

Co-Direction and Choreography

Matthew Bourne

Directed by

Richard Eyre

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 

Choreography used by permission and originally choreographed by

Stephen Mear and Matthew Bourne

Song List

ACT I

• Prologue (Chim Chim Cher-ee)
• Cherry Tree Lane (Part 1)
• The Perfect Nanny
• Cherry Tree Lane (Part 2 )
• Practically Perfect
• All Me Own Work
• Jolly Holiday
• Let's Hope She Will Stay
• Winds Do Change
• A Spoonful of Sugar
• Precision and Order
• A Man Has Dreams
• Feed the Birds
• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
• Twists and Turns
• Playing the Game
• Chim Chim Chre-ee (Reprise)

Intermission

ACT II

• Cherry Tree Lane (Reprise)
• Brimstone and Treacle
• Let's Go Fly a Kite
• Good for Nothing [Cherry Tree Lane (Reprise)]
• Being Mrs. Banks (Reprise)
• Brimstone and Treacle (Part 2 )
• Practically Perfect (Reprise)
• A Chimney Swept (Chim Chim)/ Step in Time
• A Man Had Dreams (Reprise)/ A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise)
• Anything Can Happen (Part 1)
• Give Us the Word
• A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise)/ Finale
• Bows/Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Cast

The Orchestra

Conductor/Keyboard - STEVE PARSONS

Flute/Piccolo - ROBIN TRYON

Reeds - BRAD HERRON

Horn - PHIL TRYON, ANGELA LARSON

Trumpet - MICHAEL WILLARD

Trombone - AARON THORNBERRY

Percussion - SCOTT THOMAS

Keyboard - BRET TASSONE/JOSHUA CUTTING

Cello - ABIGAIL BONTRAGER

Bass - JEREMEY POPARARD

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

COSTUME TEAM

Kate Joseph

George McCarty II (Designer)

"Willoughby" Puppet Created by

Kate Joseph

SET CONSTRUCTION

Ross Carmichael (Technical Director)

Megan Herbert

Michaela Muckelrath (Scenic Charge Artist)

Natalie Steen

Ryan Zarecki

BACKSTAGE CREW

Nolan Beitzel

Ellie Haverfield

Lillian Howard

Bill Joseph (Fly Chief)

Miriam Joseph (Deck Chief)

Baley Major

Susan Mulligan

Fran Nichols

Carson Peters

Josh Sawyer

Amanda Tatum

Doreen Tatum

FRONT OF HOUSE

The Amiot Family

Kayla Amstutz

Kelly Aneshanel

Barbara Berasi

Joe Bosh

Laura Cline

Diana Collum

Marilyn Davies

Michelle Davis

Pat Donald

Samuel Dorto

Jeanette Fatigati

Sandy Feielin

Krista Gibson

Ingrid Green

Karen Halter

Kathy Hinamon

Barb Hostetter

Steve Hostetter

Joan Hudson

Hannah Jolly

Linda Keith

Tim Keith

Geri Lewis

Tina Louise

Anne Martin

Kathleen McClure

Molly Moriarty

Susan Mullikin

Esther Oustampasidis

Mary Jane Philips

Chris Pisanellii

Andrea Raffle

Laura Rich

Hannah Roberts

Chris Roca

Kathy Rogers

Sandy Rosetta

Jo Roten

Jennifer and Tim Rowles

Joyce Ryan

Brian Salinas

Karen Schaaf

Nancy Shanklin

Barb Stephens

Tristan Stutter

Carol Warner

Mary Ann White

Judy Whitman

Jill Williams

Janet Wilcox

Karen Wilson

Cindy Wingerter

Laurie Zupp

HOUSE MANAGERS

Molly Moriarty

Missy Hays

Meet the Company

Skylar Miller

Mary Poppins

is thrilled to be back on the Players Guild stage after appearing as Morticia in The Addams Family and Sarah in The Toxic Avenger. Her other principle roles include The Witch in Into The Woods, Jo March in Little Women, and Audrey in Little Shop Of Horrors. Skylar is a student at KSU Stark and is pursuing a Bachelor of the Arts degree. She was chosen to be an intern and a camper at Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp and has also trained with Faith Prince and Sierra Boggess. Skylar thanks you for coming to this performance and hopes that you enjoy the show... it's "practically perfect in every way!"

Ben Clarke

Bert

is excited to be making his Players Guild stage debut! He will be starting his second year at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan in October. A few of his most recent productions include “White Christmas” (Phil Davis), “The Great Gatsby” (Tom Buchanan) and “Guys and Dolls” (Sky Masterson). Ben would like to thank his family for always supporting his goals and his instructors for pushing him to be the best performer he can be

Tyler Ferrebee

George Banks

is thankful to have the opportunity to portray Mr. Banks in his second running of Mary Poppins here at the Players Guild Theater! He is grateful for the cast, crew, and his supporters, especially Bart, Steve, Kristian, Anthony, and his loving parents Rod and Crystal. Recent standout roles at the Guild include Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd, Patrick Star in The SpongeBob Musical, Uncle Fester in Addams Family, The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, and Sheldon Potts in Junie B. Jones!

Guinevere Rhoads

Winnifred Banks

Guinevere is honored to be a part of this Players Guild production. She has performed this year at Players Guild in Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast and Ragtime. When she's not on stage, she is a special needs teacher at the Rebecca Stallman Southgate School. She would like to thank her wonderful family and friends for all their continued support.

Ava Kimble

Jane Banks

is 11 years old and is thrilled to be making her Players Guild debut. Recently, she performed as Annie in Annie the Musical at Porthouse Theatre. Additional theatre credits include “Wizard of Oz, Jr.” (Dorothy), “Annie Jr.” (July), “Matilda” (Hortensia), and “Junie B. Jones” (Camille). Ava studies voice at the Denise Milner Howell Voice Studio and recently won first place in the 2024 Ohio NATS Vocal Competition for Children’s Musical Theatre. Ava would like to thank her voice teacher, Denise Milner-Howell, the cast, crew, creative team, and her family, friends, and teachers who support her dream. @avafullofgrace

Peyton Chevraux

Michael Banks

is excited to be returning to the stage of the Canton Players Guild. He has previously been Edmund in the Canton Players Guild production of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. He has also been Squirt in the North Canton Playhouse performance of Finding Nemo Jr. and was Macbeth in his school performance. Peyton is a 6th grade student at North Canton Middle School where he participates in the school choir and plays trombone. Peyton would like to thank his cousins Riley and Sydney for getting him interested and excited about theater.

Gillian Kaschak

Mrs. Brill, Ensemble

is very pleased to be playing Mrs. Brill and joining the ensemble in this wonderful production. She has last been on the PG stage as Tigger in Winnie the Pooh, and Mommy/May/Grace in Junie B. Jones. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for being so wonderful and lovely. Enjoy the show!

Anthony Harbert

Robertson Ay, Ensemble

is grateful to continue his on-stage streak with the Player’s Guild in Mary Poppins as Robertson Ay! He has been seen on stage in Assassins (Balladeer), Dracula (Harker/Helsing), Spongebob the Musical (Patchy/Old Man Jenkins), and many others! This performance will be his 19th performance in just two short years. He is grateful for the loving support of his friends and family. As his mother would say, it “takes a village”

Wendy Schanz

Katie Nanna, Bird Woman, Ensemble

is very excited to be back on the stage after a 5 year hiatus. She was last seen with the Player's Guild as Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. Some of her favorite roles include Joanne in Company, Mama Morton in Chicago and Ursula in the Little Mermaid. She would like to thank the Practically Perfect Mary Poppins team for this amazing experience! Most importantly, THANK YOU for supporting live theater!

Thomas Haren

Neleus, Valentine, Ensemble

is very happy to be doing his 3rd Player’s Guild show. He was in Sweeny Todd and Addams Family and he also did shows with NDPAA and he was the Scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz festival. Finally he’s so glad to be working and learning with so much talent in the Guild

Palmer Witt

Park Keeper, John Northbrook, Ensemble

is excited to be doing his second show at players guild. Palmer started with Junie B Jones as Herbert/Chenille, and has been in several shows at the little theatre in Tuscarawas county previously. He is glad to perform with so many talented people so that we can put on this show.

Dan Headland

Admiral Boom, Bank Chairman

This being my fourth production with the Canton Players guild, At 65 I’m living my dream. I love playing these wonderful characters in this shows. Hopefully there will be more in my future. Thus being said, it is never too late to get back on stage at any age, so if you have a desire to act, sing or do behind the scenes, join us. See you all at the next production!

Marita Tornabene

Miss Lark, Smythe, Corry, Ensemble

is thrilled to be performing at the Players Guild again! Recently returning to the area after living in NYC, Marita studied at Ashland University, Kent State University, and AMDA. Her previous credits include The Girl Who Came to Supper (Off-Broadway), A Christmas Carol (Players Guild), and various solo work and showcases. She serves as the Director of Music at Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia, teaches private voice lessons, and is the Drama Club teacher at TCC Jr. and Sr. High School. For my mom, who taught me to reach for the stars!

Tyler Witherstine

Von Hussler, Bear, Ensemble

is excited to be performing again with the Players Guild Theatre where he was most recently seen in Jekyll & Hyde (Mr.Poole/Ensemble Ragtime In Concert in conjunction with the Canton Symphony Orchestra (Stanford White/Ensemble) and Beauty and the Beast (US-Beast/Ensemble). Some of his favorite roles include Beauty and the Beast (Beast), The Phantom of the Opera (Firman), Oliver! (Bill Sikes), Elf the Musical (Macy's Store Manager), and Something Rotten (Peter Quince/ Bard Boy). Tyler recently returned from NYC where he participated in a Broadway Workshop Vocal Intensive and performed at the Baruch Performing Arts Center. He would like to thank the entire Creative Team for giving him this opportunity. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their encouragement and support.

McKenna Stoffer

Fannie, Ensemble

is ecstatic to be a part of her third Players Guild production. She was most recently seen on the Players Guild stage as Emma Carew in Jekyll and Hyde. Other previous credits include: Spring Awakening (Martha Bessel), Hairspray (Tammy/Amber u/s), Urinetown (Little Sally), and Cabaret (Fritzie). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!

Madison Kearney

Annie, Doll, Ensemble

is so excited to be performing at the Guild again! Previous PGT shows include Beauty and the Beast (Les Fille 3/Napkin), Winnie the Pooh (Piglet/Christopher Robin), Sweeney Todd (Tobias), and Junie B. Jones the Musical (Junie B.) She would like to thank Bart, the cast, and the crew for such a fun experience and her family for their endless love and support! Enjoy the show!

Heather Curtis

Miss Andrew, Ensemble

After a few years’ hiatus, Heather is thrilled to be back on the Player’s Guild stage! She recently appeared as Mother in the Guild’s collaboration of Ragtime with the Canton Symphony, but this is her first time performing on this stage. Some other favorite past roles include Jekyll and Hyde (Emma Carew), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dorothy Brown), A Grand Night for Singing (Vicki), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and Die Zauberflöte (Königin der Nacht). When not performing, Heather can be found at Dayspring Christian Fellowship, where she serves as the Worship Pastor, or enjoying time with her amazing husband David.

Sammy Sawyer

Ensemble

is a high school junior, and is excited to be performing in Mary Poppins, his fourth production with the Players Guild Theatre. He debuted as an ensemble member in A Christmas Carol, and performed as the Young Prince and Salt Shaker, in Beauty and the Beast. Most recently, he was honored to perform as the News Boy and ensemble in Jekyll and Hyde. Sammy can also be seen in two upcoming movies by JC Films; “Takedown,” and "A Paralyzing Redemption.” Off stage, Sammy enjoys music, church youth group, sketching, and being with friends. Sammy thanks the directors, cast, and crew for this amazing experience, and hopes you all enjoy the show!

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

Producing Artistic Director

Father of two amazing daughters, the oldest studying architecture, the youngest studying fashion design. Husband to his dream girl wife of twenty-two years - they met at the PGT! Blessed beyond measure to have this amazing job and to be able to call the Players Guild Theatre his home for twenty-five years! During that time he has had the privilege of producing, directing and designing countless productions.  Favorite credits include, Players Guild: Titanic, Next To Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, Hunchback…, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Miserables, A Christmas Carol (’04-present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776 and Jekyll & Hyde.  Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.  Other credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Magical Theatre Co), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Natl. Tour), and served as producer for An Evening with George Takei, starring Mr. Takei.  Additionally, Josh is a magician/illusionist, a Christopher Nolan film-fanatic, and has a true passion for all-things-Charles Dickens. Josh is a graduate of Kent State University, and is a recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre. Love to my family and my beautiful wife and daughters for their unconditional love and never-ending support!

BETH KNOX

Director of Education & Social Media

Beth is in her twelfth season at the Players Guild Theatre.  She earned her degree in Business Management and Marketing from the Ohio State University.  Beth spent the majority of her career in management in the cosmetic and fashion industry in the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and NYC markets for brands including Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Paloma Picasso, and Giorgio Armani.  Her background also includes grant writing, event planning, and fundraising. Beth is a co-founder, Executive Producer, and playwright for Red Fig Productions.

TYRA GRISAK

Guest Services Manager

Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!

ROSS CARMICHAEL

Technical Director

graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.

STEVE PARSONS

Resident Musical Director/Conductor

is the Resident Musical Director at the Players Guild of Canton, having served in the same capacity at Carousel Dinner Theatre from 2004-2009, where his work received the 2006 Cleveland area Times Newspapers “Outstanding Musical Direction” award. Other credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, The Ohio Shakespeare Company, Carnation City Players, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Additionally, he provided new arrangements for Dean Pitchford’s official revised version of FOOTLOOSE, created new versions of the NUNSENSE scores for creator Dan Goggin, wrote original music and fight song arrangements for the hit video game COLLEGE SLAM, and performed in the “Tickestra” for the FOX animated television series THE TICK. Steve was also the arranger for the Grateful Dead musical CUMBERLAND BLUES, which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and orchestrated the regional musical IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. An active composer, Steve has a Master’s degree in composition and numerous published symphonic pieces and choral works. His original musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, and has received an NYC Off-Off Broadway production, a fully staged production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, numerous regional theatre performances across the United States, and is presented annually at The Players Guild. Steve arranged and orchestrated the hit LA musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM and is a consultant and contributor to Defying Gravity, the biography of legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University – Stark Campus in the areas of Musicology, Piano, Ensemble Direction and Conducting, and is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild of America.

BREANNA ANTONIADES

Production Stage Manager

is excited to be back for her seventh season at the Players Guild Theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!

FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI

Lighting Designer

joined the Players Guild family in the summer of 2019 with Rock of Ages and has been around ever since. In addition to his role as lighting designer here at Players Guild Frankie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Brecksville Theatre. Frankie’s work can also be seen at Cassidy Theatre and Magical Theatre Company, to name a few.

BOBBY SEVERNS

Sound Designer/Projection & Sound Board Op

With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production of Jekyll and Hyde. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!

GEORGE McCARTY II

Costume Designer

after a brief hiatus, begins another season as the costume designer for the Players Guild. George previously designed for the Guild for several seasons beginning in 2013. In addition, he has designed for Magical Theatre Company, Seat of the Pants Productions, as well as Carnation City Players, among others.

KATE JOSEPH

Costumer

is pleased as punch to be back for her third season working in the costume shop at the Players Guild! Kate is a graduate of the 2022 class at the College of Wooster where she got her Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Kate has worked on every show the last two seasons here at the PGT, but her favorite show recently she has designed was *The Toxic Avenger*. Kate enjoys puppetry, making food for everyone during tech, and being the quick change champion she is. She dares you to do a quick change faster than her, and hopes you enjoy the show!

BART HERMAN

Director/Additional Choreography

Bart is thrilled to be back at the Guild. At the Guild Bart has directed and choreographed Junie B Jones and Winnie the Pooh. Some other favorite shows he has directed include, Disaster, Dear Ruth, Anything Goes, Legally Blonde, Gypsy, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Bart has worked professionally as an actor, singer, and dancer all over the US and Europe. He would like to thank The Players Guild Theatre staff and crew for all of the support. Steve, Kristian, and Brakey for your expertise, and a big thank you to the cast and crew of Mary Poppins! Anything Can Happen, If You Let It!

KRISTIAN KORSGAARD

Choreographer

received his training at Marymount Manhattan College where he earned a BFA in Dance, Magna cum Laude. Kristian spent the next 12 years teaching dance in both Brooklyn and Queens while performing extensively in regional theater. Some favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Nunsense…Amen, Carousel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Annie as well as traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. He also had one glorious year working as a dresser for Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Having retired his dancing shoes, Kristian stayed in NYC for another 6 years working for a hedge fund group before moving closer to home in 2010 to open a gift shop in Hudson with his husband, Eric. Happy to be back for another show at the Guild!

STEPHEN BRAKEY

Stage Manager

(he/him) is from Shaker Heights but now calls Wadsworth home. After graduating from Marietta College in 2013, Stephen spent some time making theatre in Pittsburgh, NEOhio, and Southern Maine before spending 5 years in Buffalo, NY working as a professional stage manager at Road Less Traveled Productions and Lancaster Opera House. He’d like to thank his wife, Destiny, and 2 sons for supporting his theatrical pursuits. Go Browns.