Monday, December 9, 2024
AZLE — After months of preparation and countless hours spent rehearsing, Azle High School theater students held their first preview of this year’s presentation, “Mary Poppins.” This year marks 60 years since the classic Disney film’s 1964 release. In a special sneak peek of the show, the theater department and drama booster parents granted residents of Azle area senior living facilities a chance to see it first.
“I think ‘Mary Poppins’ is a great show, because so many people here, they've seen the movie, they've heard the songs,” volunteer Lisa Crabtree said.
The troupe held its special performances at Azle Manor, Eagle Crest Villa and Legacy Oaks of Azle to the delight of audiences Nov. 13 and 14.
Becky Mulkland, an 80-year-old Azle Manor resident, thoroughly enjoyed the show, singing along to every song and mimicking the actions of performers during their scenes. She said she was a lifelong Julie Andrews fan who often watched “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” in her youth.
“They did really good job,” Mulkland said of the performance.
Students and theater department head Rebecca Crabtree similarly found the experience to be highly gratifying and great chance to get in front of a crowd before their big Nov. 21 premiere performance.
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but they seemed to enjoy it,” 11th grader T.J. Bradford, who portrays Bert, said. “I felt once I got those first lines out, or my first song, I felt at ease and I was just able to enjoy it and have so much fun. My performance was enhanced so much by seeing their smiles on their faces. It feels really nice, because everyone deserves the opportunity to see something magical like this. They've worked so hard, and they deserve something like this.”
Showtimes for the AHS performance of “Mary Poppins” include Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $12. Tickets for students or seniors are $10. Azle ISD Gold Card holders receive free admission. The play will be presented in the AHS auditorium.
Cast for this performance included:
