California Area students prepare to stage a ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ musical

California Area School District students are preparing for their performance of the beloved family musical, “Mary Poppins.”

Cherry Tree Lane is coming to California Area High School, and with it a little theatrical magic.

Umbrellas will fly, chimney sweeps will dance and a mysterious nanny will arrive just when she is needed most as California Area students present “Mary Poppins” this weekend.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

The production brings the beloved story to the stage with lively songs, colorful choreography and a cast of more than 60 students working together to bring the classic tale to life.

For director Rob Berletich, selecting the school’s spring musical always begins with the students.

“The show is chosen based around the cast of students that we have returning and older cast members, especially seniors,” Berletich said. “We look for parts that would fit them and kind of go from there.”

“Mary Poppins” checked several boxes for this year’s group. The show also has not been performed at California Area in more than a decade.

“It seemed to fit that bill and has not been done here in about 10 to 12 years,” he said.

The musical follows the magical nanny Mary Poppins as she arrives at the Banks household in London, where children Jane and Michael Banks have already driven away several caretakers. Through imaginative adventures and unexpected lessons, Mary Poppins helps the family rediscover the importance of love, responsibility and spending time together.

Preparing the production has been a months-long effort involving students from fourth through 12th grade.

The process begins in the fall, with auditions typically taking place between late October and November.

“By the time the holidays come around we announce our cast and we’re already singing,” Berletich said.

Rehearsals continue through the winter, with older students rehearsing multiple times per week while younger cast members join for ensemble rehearsals. After the new year, the schedule intensifies as the show moves closer to opening night.

Theater is like a family, and pulling off a production of this size takes many moving parts.

Elementary school students play an important role in the show, appearing as townspeople, children and other background characters in several scenes.

“It’s what I would call a low-stress position for them,” Berletich said. “They fill in nice parts and stories that need to be told — children on the street, students in the classroom, people walking in the park.”

They also appear in one of the musical’s most recognizable songs.

“In our version this year, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ is a full ensemble number,” Berletich said. “Everyone is in it, from elementary up to our seniors.”

The goal, he said, is to give younger performers opportunities to grow within the program.

“Some people when they started might not have sung a note or said a word,” he said. “Then they come in for their next audition and they’re singing beautifully and reading monologues. Part of my job is giving them an opportunity to show what they can do.”

While the performers take center stage, a large team of students and volunteers works behind the scenes to bring the production together.

Set construction, painting and stage preparation involve both students and staff, with California Area teacher Rob Resold helping guide the set-building process. Some elements are even incorporated into classroom learning through construction education projects.

The production also features detailed set pieces designed to transform the stage into multiple locations throughout the show.

Among them is a large moving staircase structure that can rotate to reveal different settings, including a kitchen and a park scene.

Students are heavily involved in finishing the sets as well.

Professional theatrical artist Sabrina Davis works with the production team to coordinate color schemes and visual design. Students help with everything from priming the sets to adding detailed finishing touches.

Costumes also play a key role in creating the classic look of the story.

Longtime costume designer Barb Gismondi, a Roscoe resident, is a talented seamstress who has worked on California Area productions for decades.

“She’s done musicals here longer than I’ve been alive,” Berletich said. “She’s a great seamstress and she has an eye for the characters.”

Gismondi maintains an extensive collection of costumes from past productions and works with Berletich to match each character’s look with the story being told on stage.

“I think everything looks nice and vibrant,” he said. “We tried to make the characters have that classic look so they’re recognizable.”

Like many stage productions, “Mary Poppins” features moments of theatrical illusion.

Students have been practicing sleight-of-hand techniques to create magical moments throughout the show — something Berletich said has been particularly exciting for the cast.

“I think it’s been a big thrill for them learning how to pull those moments off,” he said.

Despite the fun, the show has also challenged the performers.

“It’s a tougher musical than others we’ve done in the past,” Berletich said. “There are a lot of scene changes, a lot of props, a lot of lines and a lot of songs.”

Still, he said the cast has embraced the challenge.

“They’ve really leaned into their roles,” he said, especially the senior performers who are taking on well-known characters from the story.

One of Berletich’s favorite moments comes late in the show, when George Banks reflects on what truly matters after believing he has lost his job.

The emotional scene centers around a childhood memory and a rediscovered treat that helps shift his perspective toward family.

“It’s a moment that really sticks with me,” Berletich said.

For audiences, he believes the production may offer a few surprises as well.

“Without putting on a magic show,” he said with a laugh, “you might leave knowing how to spell that famous 34-letter word.”

Community members will have three chances to see the show.

Premium seating tickets are $15 and general admission tickets are $12.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://caltrojans. booktix.com.

Remaining tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cast members

The cast of “Mary Poppins” are: Ally Grodz as Mary Poppins, Tyler Sutherland as Bert, Hunter Antonucci as George Banks, Sarah Fedrick as Winifred Banks, Eva Kelly as Jane Banks and Anthony Ruddle as Michael Banks. Other roles include Paityn Molish (Katie Nanna), Olivia Buza (Policeman), Keeley Cribbins (Miss Lark), Conner Kennedy (Admiral Boom), Maddie Skinkis (Mrs. Brill/ Miss Corry), Jacob Rutledge (Robertson Ay), Addy Cicchitto (Neleus), Ella Holodnak (Queen Victoria), William Dixon (Bank Manager), Allison Piktel (Miss Smythe), Chayra Knisley (Von Hussler), Jaiysa High (Northbrook), Bailey Kasper (Bird Woman/Miss Andrew), Delaney Ridge (Fannie/Valentine), Madalyn Manko (Annie), Danika DeBerry (Mr. Punch), Lillee Capenos (Doll), Emily Iams (Messenger), Arianna Vadella and Gigi Seroka (maids), with step ensemble line leaders Rylee Furlong and Sophia Alfonsi.

Additional MS/HS ensemble members include Kanani Rettger, Koa Rettger, Isabella Crouse and Diamond Cammack.

Elementary ensemble members are: Wyatt Hatfield, Emmalyn Bongiorno, Erica Buza, Mckenzi Cole, Caleesi Despot, Gracie Juarez, Mykah Keene, Brooklyn Klamorick, Hannah Livengood, Mia Naughton, Taylor Pritchard, Ella Saghy, Mya Schumacher, Zander Scrip, Phalon Spradley, Harper Tobias, Dezel Volcheck and Penelope Wheeler.

Student musicians are Samuel Woznack, Capri Cox, Shane Piktel, Liv Lenkey, Austin Medve and Matt Wallace.

The production is directed by Rob Berletich with choreography by Lori Ventura, music direction by Daniel Zipin, technical direction by Rob Ruddle and costumes by Barbara Gismondi.