Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's Mary Poppins JR. is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."
Roles in Mary Poppins Jr.
Bert- The narrator of the story, he’s a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert is a chimney sweep and a sidewalk artist, among many other occupations. With a twinkle in his eye and a skip in his step, Bert watches over the children and the goings-on around Cherry Tree Lane. He is a song-and-dance man with oodles of charm who is wise beyond his years.
George Banks- Husband to Winifred and father to Jane and Michael, he’s a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that Miss Andrew, his cruel, strict childhood nanny, gave him the perfect upbringing. George's emotional armor, however off-putting, conceals a sensitive soul.
Winifred Banks- George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother, she is a loving homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's social aspirations while striving to be a model wife and mother.
Jane Banks- The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks, she’s bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Michael Banks- The cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks, he’s excitable and naughty, he adores his father and longs desperately for his attention. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Mrs. Brill- The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked, she’s always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath.
Robertson Ay-The houseboy to the Banks family. Forgetful and clumsy, he often bungles simple tasks. He should be a good comedic actor.
Mary Poppins- Jane and Michael Banks’s new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet very particular, and sometimes a little frightening, but she is always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. Precision and diction are key.
Katie Nanna- is Jane and Michael’s nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
Neleus- is a statue who, once brought to life by Mary Poppins, is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This is a featured role for a strong dancer.
Bird Woman- is covered in a patchwork of old shawls, her pockets stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell the crumbs to Passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. She sings a beautiful solo.
Miss Smythe- is the bank Chairman’s humorless secretary.
Bank Chairman- The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed shirt.
Von Hussler- is a businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal.
John Northbrook- is an honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He sings a solo.
Mrs. Corry- owns a magical Talking Shop. She is a mysterious woman of indeterminate age, but has plenty of spirit and is sharp as a tack. She’s not afraid to be over the top in this fun role.
Miss Andrew- is George’s overbearing and scary childhood nanny. With her bottle of nasty- tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things: her way.
Policeman and the Messenger- A neighborhood patrol officer and a Messenger who delivers a summons to George from the bank.
Ensemble Groups: Park Strollers, Statues, Honeybees, Clerks, Vagrants, Buskers, Passersby, Customers, Kite Flyers, Chimney Sweeps
