Mary Poppins takes center stage

Montana Actors' Theatre will begin its run of "Mary Poppins" tonight at the Little Theatre at Montana State University-Northern.

Rachel Dean who also co-directs the production with Casey Platt, leads the cast as the iconic airborne nanny who brings magic and good cheer into the lives of two children from a stuffy, upscale family. The musical is based on the P.L. Travers book series and the classic 1964 Disney film.

Dean said she and MSU-Northern Director of University Relations Jim Potter came up with the idea for the show.

"So the two of us together thought we could put on a pretty dandy show," she said.

The production incorporates new technical elements and set design, along with boasting a large cast, performing complex dance numbers.

"Everybody works really hard on this show," Dean said. "There are no small parts."

Nonetheless, she said, overcoming the challenges that putting on such an elaborate show was "great fun."

The excitement begins tonight at 8 at the Little Theatre on the Northern campus. Encore performances will take place March 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19th at 8p.m. Matinee performances are also scheduled for 2 p.m. March 6 and 13.

The price of tickets is $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and members of the military, and $10 for children. Northern students with a current I.D. get free admission.