Practically Perfect: St. John’s Brings Mary Poppins to Life

Cherry Tree Lane came to life at St. John’s School as students took the stage for four spectacular performances of Mary Poppins in the Lowe Theater. With rotating leads sharing the title role, and packed audiences across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows, this year’s musical was a true celebration of student talent and collaboration.

Based on the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins, the production followed the Banks family and their mysterious, “practically perfect” nanny as she transformed their orderly household through imagination and heart. While the story is familiar to many, this stage version allowed audiences to see the importance of family connection.

Seniors Sasha Mintz and Eliza Dorros alternated performances as Mary Poppins, each bringing her own interpretation to the iconic role.

“The most challenging part of playing Mary Poppins was maintaining vocal stamina,” Mintz noted, “The show has a range of numbers that require singing and dancing simultaneously.” To prepare, she developed pre-show rituals, including singing “Practically Perfect” while holding a plank and running harmonies with her duet partners.

Eliza Dorros flying while playing the part of Mary Poppins. (Photo by Mr. Tsang)

The production also featured professional flying effects, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance. “We brought in professionals from On the Fly Productions to train actors and fly operators, and I got to do three flights in the show,” Mintz shared. “Looking out at the audience from up in the air was unforgettable.” The breathtaking aerial moments became a highlight of the show and showcased the ambition of this year’s production.

For Dorros, portraying Mary Poppins also required intentional skill to successfully enact her role. “I think the most challenging part of playing Mary Poppins was striking the right balance between stern and caring,” she said. “Mary Poppins is able to discipline the children while bringing magic into their lives, and I strived to show both sides.” 

To prepare, Dorros studied multiple interpretations of the character, watching the original Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Returns, professional productions, and even a high school performance. “Character study is important to me because I see how other actors interpret Mary, and then I decide through the choices I make in my performance how I want others to see her,” she explained.

From the high-energy choreography of “Step in Time,” to the tongue-twisting excitement of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” the cast delivered musical numbers that reflected months of rehearsal. Balancing demanding practices with schoolwork required dedication, time management, and strong teamwork from the entire company, including the ensemble and supporting leads.

As the curtain closed on the final show Sunday evening, the applause reflected not only appreciation for a beloved musical, but admiration for the countless hours of preparation and collaboration that made the production possible. Through creativity, commitment, and a touch of theatrical magic, St. John’s proved that anything truly can happen.