An Okotoks audience is getting a sneak peak at a High River theatre group’s latest production.
Windmill Theatre Players is bringing a shortened version of the famous, Mary Poppins, to the Okotoks United Church on April 20. The full production will run from April 28 to 30 at the Highwood Memorial Centre.
Windmill usually hosts its productions at the memorial centre but is bringing a taste of its Mary Poppins production to Okotoks for a fundraiser. The show in Okotoks will be just the music and dance numbers.
“It’s important for the community to support amateur theatre because it’s an outlet for people, a place for people to meet, for them to find support,” said Laura Ferguson, the lead role of Mary Poppins. “It’s not just about the drama it’s about the family, and we’re a family here.”
All proceeds from the show in Okotoks go to the supporting various projects in the community of Maria Auxiliadora, Dominican Republic. Projects include building schools for children and helping youth living in poverty by providing clean drinking water, education and community health programs, church initiatives, and youth sporting activities.
Windmill hosts two main productions every year, a fall and a spring production, with several small plays throughout the year.
“The arts create so much open mindedness and challenge peoples thinking and at times its wonderful light hearted entertainment that we need through difficult times. We need the arts on many levels,”
The cast for Mary Poppins included 15 actors and 14 members in the ensemble.
Windmill members play live music for the entirety of the show with two pianists, a bass player and a trumpet player. They also have two child musicians that play the harp and violin.
Windmill production prides itself on the family aspect that they bring to their shows.
“You’ll see a family up on stage having fun and working together to make something magical,” said Ferguson. “ Community theatre is vital because it gives people the opportunity to do stuff they love and gives the chance to learn new things, build a lot of confidence and builds the community,”
If youths want to partake in a production they can audition for one of the main productions or can participate in one of the many kids shows they put on throughout the year.
“Not about making money but breaking even and hopefully a bit on the plus side so we can do things like the youth scholarships” Said Avis.
The show in Okotoks is only a short taste of the production, playing just the music and the dance portion of the play. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 each, or $20 per family.
The full show can be seen in High River on April 28 to 30 at the Highwood Memorial Centre. All performances will include a dinner theatre. Tickets are $15 for children age 13 and under and $20 for general admission over 13.
For more information about Windmill productions visit www.windmilltheatreplayers.com