Update 2/7/2018 6:00 am CST: Due to inclement weather, the February 7 performance of Mary Poppins has been rescheduled to 2:00 pm on February 9. The story has been updated to reflect this change.

Each year the music departments at Oshkosh North combine talents in order to put on a musical. Past productions include Crazy For You  in 2017 and The Addams Family in 2018. This year’s show is Mary Poppins, the beloved Disney movie classic as well as the award-winning Broadway production. This performance involves nearly 100 students and features senior Molly Kalous as Mrs. Banks, one of the lead roles.

Mary Poppins follows the Banks family in London. The musical focuses on the Banks children, Jane and Michael, and their parent’s need to find them a nanny. Suddenly, Mary Poppins appears and is hired by the family, taking the children on magical adventures. Famous songs include Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Practically Perfect, and A Spoonful of Sugar.

Viewers can expect a lot from this upcoming show, as it is anticipated to be very special.

“I think what makes this production special is the magic of it. Nearly everyone is familiar with Mary Poppins, so I feel it has a really special place in a lot of people’s hearts,” said Kalous.

Part of the magic will include some  original twists to the production.

“We have a lot of really cool special effects in this show that Oshkosh North has never done before in a musical,” said Kalous.

There will be something for everyone in this year’s production, whether that be the musical numbers or the magical effects.

“I think something that’s really cool about this show is it has a little something for everyone. I don’t think people will come out having all had the same exact experience. Everyone is going to like something different and I think that’ll be really cool,” said Kalous.

However, most people will attend the show to their beloved characters come to life right here in Oshkosh.

“Audience members expect to see a certain thing when we recreate familiar characters like Mary Poppins, Bert, and the Banks family. We have to honor those infamous characters but give them our own spin,” said Bridget Duffy, musical director. “Mary Poppins has an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and magical surprises.”

Despite the new twists, the crew will try to stay true to the original tracks.

“Mary Poppins [the Oshkosh North Production] has some songs taken from the original 1964 Disney movie” said Duffy. “[The musical] has added new songs and taken storylines from the original books by P.L. Travers.”

The cast urges everyone to come to see the musical in the upcoming weeks.

“People should come to see this show to support their peers of course! There are people from all different backgrounds in this show,” said Kalous. “This just might be the best show I’ve had the gift of being a part of and I can’t wait to start performances and share the experience with everyone else.”

Duffy also encourages viewers to become involved with the production.

“I hope it will get people intrigued to see how we can make the magic happen in live theatre,” said Duffy.

If you wish to see Oshkosh North’s production of Mary Poppins, showings are February 8-9 beginning at 7:00 pm and February 9-10 at 2:00 pm at the Grand Opera House. All students and staff are allowed free entry with the presence of school ID at the box office. General public ticket pricings range from 10-16 dollars.