A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers
and the Walt Disney Film

Original Music and Lyrics by
Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Book by
Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by
Cameron Mackintosh

ON THE SPRIET STAGE
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 29, 2019

LONDON, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 18, 2019
The holiday season is a time for magic and imagination—to see the world with childlike wonder. And what better way to ring in the holiday season than to take in the Grand Theatre’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, which flies onto the Spriet Stage, November 26^th-December 29^th. As P.L. Travers’ classic novel comes to life in a stunning visual and musical celebration, audiences of all ages will delight in the timeless story of a family who has lost their way, and is brought back to life through the wisdom and guidance of their mystically lovable nanny.

“At the heart of Mary Poppins is a wonderful example of some of the themes of the season—wonder, imagination, and possibility—all of which make this production a perfect fit for our holiday offering here at the Grand. One of the best things about this time of year is that we get to spend time with our families,” says Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum.

Returning to the Grand to take on the title role in the production is critically-acclaimed actor and Londoner, Deborah Hay. Audiences will recognize her from her many seasons at both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, and will delight in her portrayal of the magical nanny. Mark Uhre, another London native, will bring to life Mary Poppins’ long-time friend, Bert. Joining them onstage is Alexis Gordon in the role of Winifred Banks, and Jan Alexandra Smith as the Bird Woman/Miss Andrew.

The Grand is once again delighted to be partnering with the London Food Bank and the Business Cares Food Drive with its SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPILI-donate program. At the conclusion of each performance, Mary Poppins herself, along with other cast members, will collect donations to support the thousands of families, youth and seniors who use the Food Bank each month. Over the past two seasons, the Grand Theatre has collected over $200,000 which has had a direct impact on the amount of fresh food and dairy products available for Londoners.

The 28^th Annual Holiday Wish for Kids performance will take place on Tuesday, November 26. That evening, over 400 children and caregivers representing over 30 agencies and community organizations will be welcomed into the Grand for a pre-show holiday party and then enjoy the show, courtesy of generous donors and sponsors.

The Title Sponsor for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is Canada Life.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges its Season Sponsor - BMO Financial Group.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

The Wednesday Speak Easy

Returning to the Grand this season is the Wednesday Speak Easy series. Following each Wednesday performance on the Spriet and McManus Stages, patrons can extend their theatre experience and get closer to the artists with exclusive talks, casual conversations, and spontaneous happenings in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poster Lounge or the McManus Lounge.

Our Wednesday Speak Easy series continue with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins on November 27, and will have three additional Wednesday Speak Easy event dates for patrons to enjoy on December 4, 11, and 18.

Pre-Show Reaney Talks

Join host James Stewart Reaney at select Wednesday matinees, as he sparks creative conversations about the production. The talk for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins will be held Wednesday, December 11, at 12pm.

About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Grand offers diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe through collaborations with national and international performing arts organizations, and is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand supports educational programming with The High School Project, the only program of its kind in North America, and 100 Schools, a community initiative that brings professional theatre to London-area schools at no cost. The Grand’s season runs from September to May.

Tickets are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS MEDIA CALL
When: Wednesday, November 27, at 1:00pm (cameras, please arrive at 12:45 to set up)
Where: Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, 471 Richmond Street
What: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins photo, video, and interview opportunities for media
RSVP: To jmatthews [at] grandtheatre.com (jmatthews[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)

For more information, including guest artists’ bios, please contact:
Jennifer Matthews, Communications Manager, Grand Theatre
jmatthews [at] grandtheatre.com (jmatthews[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
519.672.9030 ext. 411

The Grand Theatre's
Production of

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's

Mary Poppins

A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers
and the Walt Disney Film

Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Book by Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh

November 26 to December 29, 2019

Spriet Stage

CAST

Production TEAM