Mary Poppins: Class distinctions and Supporting Characters

Mary Poppins sings: “Though you’re just a diamond in the rough, Bert, Underneath your blood is blue! 

In Edwardian England, class distinctions were a part of life. Meet the actors who play the Banks’ cook, the footman, the Bird Woman, and Bank Chairman.

Beth Gotha is making her Wheelock Family Theatre debut as Mrs. Brill. Boston area credits include My Fair Lady, Into the Woods, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Sunday in the Park with George (Lyric Stage); Richard III (Publick); My Fair Lady and Beauty and the Beast (Reagle); and Beauty and the Beast and Our Town (Worcester Foothills). Beth has also performed with Merrimack Rep, Ogunquit, Súgán Theatre Company and NSMT, among others.

Pablo Torres is making his Wheelock Family Theatre debut! He was recently seen in A Little Night Music as Henrik Egerman (Huntington) and The Light in the Piazza as Giuseppe and Little Murders as Lt. Practice (Boston Conservatory). His regional theatre credits include Sweeney Todd (Toby) and Bat Boy: The Musical (Rick) with Tampa Theatre, and Elegies: For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (Patrick) with Edinburgh’s Church Hill Theatre. Pablo is pursuing his BFA at Boston Conservatory.

Gamalia Pharms sings the iconic song “Feed the Birds.”She was last seen at Wheelock Family Theatre in Shrek the Musical. Her favorite Wheelock Family Theatre shows include Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, and The Good Times Are Killing Me. Gamalia has performed in regional theatres up and down the East Coast, and has a BFA from Boston Conservatoryof Music.

Dale Place plays Admiral Boom and the Bank Chairman. At Wheelock Family Theatre, he was seen in A Tale of Two Cities and Annie. He has appeared in NY in King Lear at the NY Shakespeare Festival and in Nikolai and the Others at Lincoln Center and many regional stages. Other area credits include the New Rep, Huntington, Lyric, SpeakEasy, Stoneham, Boston Playwrights', and Hanover. Film credits include: Joy, The Fighter, The Proposal, Gone Baby Gone, and What’s Your Number.

"Mary Poppins" runs January 29 to February 28. Reserve your seats today!

TRAILER: "Mary Poppins" at Wheelock Family Theatre

The Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Musical!

Based on the popular books by P. L. Travers and the beloved 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins teaches us, that with just a spoonful of magic, "Anything can happen if you let it." This lively heartfelt musical acknowledges the struggles of familial responsibilities – but also celebrates the special kind of magic of everyday life!

Shana Dirik as the Cruel and Overbearing Miss Andrew

"Brimstone and Treacle for you!"

Brimstone and treacle and carbolic soap are the tools of the trade of actor Shana Dirik in her Wheelock Family Theatre debut as the cruel and overbearing nanny Miss Andrew.

Dirik has appeared in numerous regional productions, most recently as Ursula in The Little Mermaid (Fiddlehead). She was honored with IRNE wins for her performances as Charlotte in A Little Night Music and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd.

Reserve your seats today!

Story Troupers Audition Workshop This January

Learn how to approach material in Story Trouper style - bigger, faster, louder!

Enroll your teenager, age 12-16, in our Story Troupers Audition Workshop! Story Troupers is Wheelock Family Theatre's teenage touring ensemble.  Students will work on specific skills to prepare for a Trouper audition. Get tips on comic monologues, improv exercises, and dance combinations.

This Winter 2016 1-day session takes places Sunday January 24, 2016 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tuition is $100 and some scholarships are available. Registrants will be sent further details about preparation.

Register Today!

Meet Jane and Michael Banks

"Take us on outings, give us treats, sing songs, bring sweets."

Hurry, and get your tickets to see Lily Ramas & Asher Navisky, Eowyn Young & Cameron Levesque as Jane and Michael Banks!

Eowyn, age 12, and Cameron, age 9, are both making their WFT debuts, but are not newcomers to the stage.

Eowyn's favorite credits include Les Miserables (Reagle), A Christmas Carol (NSMT), Annie (RTW), A Christmas Celtic Sojourn Tour (WGBH), and Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker.

Cameron's regional credits include The Who's Tommy (Turtle Lane), The Wizard of Oz, A Little Princess (Metrowest Family Theatre), and A Christmas Carol (Hanover Theatre).

Lily Ramas returns to WFT as Jane Banks. Her regional credits include Shrek the Musical (WFT), Annie, White Christmas, Witches of Eastwick (Ogunquit Playhouse), Music Man (MSMT), and A Christmas Carol (Hanover Theater).

Mary Poppins is Asher Navisky's debut at Wheelock Family Theatre. Previously he has appeared as Daddy Warbucks and Willy Wonka in All Newton Music School productions.

"We won't hide your spectacles so you can't see, put toads in your bed, or pepper in your tea..."

Reserve your seats today!

Dan Reardon Brings Bert To Life on Stage

Starting January 29, Dan Reardon and the chimney sweeps will be 'stepping-in-time' at our production of Mary Poppins!

Wakefield native and graduate of Syracuse UnIversity, Dan also played Bert at the Sierra Repertory Theatre. Regional credits include: Bobby C in Saturday Night Fever (Arvada Center), Tulsa in Gypsy (OSTC), Young Scrooge/Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol (NSMT).

Reserve your seats today to see your favorite chimney sweep, January 29 to February 28.

VIDEO: Professional, Accessible Theatre in the Heart of Boston

This season, we celebrate 35 years of creating opportunities for all people to enjoy live theatre, whether it’s onstage or backstage.

Wheelock Family Theatre’s (WFT’s) mission is to provide opportunities for all people to enjoy live theatre, whether it’s onstage or backstage. “This is theatre for families by everybody—multigenerational in the audience and onstage,” says WFT General Manager Shelley Bolman. “You have professional actors working alongside children and students putting together a really finished product that is tackling issues that relate to everybody.”

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"This is theatre for families by everybody"

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Lisa Yuen Takes the Lead in Mary Poppins

In 3 weeks, Mary Poppins will fly at Boston's Wheelock Family Theatre, with Lisa Yuen in the title role.

Lisa has performed on Broadway in 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee and Miss Saigon, in several national tours, on local stages in The King and I, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and The Wizard of Oz, and in film and television.

Reserve your seats today to see the practically perfect nanny, January 29 to February 28.

Give the Gift of Arts Education! Register for Winter and Spring Classes

Registration for Wheelock Family Theatre's Winter and Spring 2016 classes now open

Registration for Wheelock Family Theatre's Winter and Spring 2016 classes is now open! This includes our weekly classes and vacation week intensives. We know that many of you like to plan ahead and here is your opportunity to do so.

Ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare, WFT classes will teach your child new skills and help build their confidence on stage and off. For full information about these and other classes--including class dates, times, descriptions, and registration links--visit our website.

If you have any questions or would like guidance choosing classes for your child, give us a call at 617-879-1175.

Also, note that our December Vacation Week classes and Winter I weekend classes are filling up quickly, so if your student has interest in one of these sessions, please reserve a spot ASAP. Here's a quick look at the classes we're offering for Vacation Week (December 28 to January 1):

Ages 5-6: Winter Animal Tales
Ages 7-8: Act Now!
Ages 9-11: Scene into Song: The Art of the Musical Theatre Segue
Ages 12-16: The Sound and Fury of Shakespeare

We hope to see you soon!

Emerging Playwrights: Alex Drumm Jr.’s "How to Pimp a Butterfly"

Started in 2012 with funding from the Susan Kosoff Legacy Fund, the Emerging Playwrights Program is a Wheelock Family Theatre initiative that teaches teens playwriting skills as a vehicle for expressing their voices and ideas. This year's cohort of six students has been mentored by WFT teaching artists, has attended workshops by Boston's leading playwrights, and has had the opportunity of having their works brought to life by professional directors and actors. They have learned skills in critical analysis, communication, collaboration and creativity that will benefit them in the 21st century.

In this video we see Alex Drumm Jr.’s How to Pimp a Butterfly. This piece deals with some of the many stereotypes that young black men face throughout their daily lives and how preconceived notions can be an obstacle to making real human connections.

Content Warning: This video contains strong language and content.

Happy Birthday Dick Van Dyke

Happy Birthday to one of the most famous chimney sweeps, Dick Van Dyke! We’re so excited for our own Jolly Holiday with Mary Poppins in January 2016.

Give your loved ones a Jolly Holiday with Mary Poppins!

Save on Ticket Fees for Mary Poppins!

Wheelock Family Theatre is offering specially priced tickets to its upcoming musical production of Mary Poppins, the heartwarming story about everyone's favorite nanny.

Jolly Holiday tickets are just $25 (no fees) for Friday evening performances on January 29 and February 5, 12, 19, 26 at 7:30 PM.

Use the code: Holiday25

This offer expires December 25 and seats are selling out quickly, so get yours now! 

Jolly Holiday tickets are for sections B and C only (Side Orchestra, or Mid and Back Mezzanine), regularly priced $32 or $26.

Reserve Your Seats Today!

  

Spaces Available for December Vacation Week Classes

Looking for a fun, enriching activity for your child during their December vacation? There are a few spaces remaining in the Wheelock Family Theatre’s December vacation week classes, held December 28, 2015 through January 1, 2016

Ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare, WFT classes will teach your child new skills and help build their confidence on stage and off. Descriptions of the classes for each age group are below, or you can see a complete listing on our website.

If you'd like to register, you can do so online or call us at 617-879-1175. If you would like our help in selecting the best choice(s) for your child, please contact Lloyd Woodcock at 617-879-1175 or lwoodcock@wheelock.edu

Vacation Week Classes

Ages 5-6 Winter Animal Tales.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1. 8:30am - 3:00pm.

Tuition: $450. No extended day.

Although some animals are hibernating, there are others out frolicking and playing in the snow. Students will create characters and stories based on the animals that thrive during winter.

Register Now >>

Ages 7-8 Act Now!.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

What are the essential skills any good actor must have? In this class, beginners and more experienced performers will explore and build upon the fundamentals of acting through movement, voice, and building a character.

Register Now >>

Ages 9-11 Scene into Song: The Art of the Musical Theatre Segue.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

Musical theatre is full of fantastic transitions. In this class, students will learn how to transition from a scene to a song, creating a believable shift that allows the audience to follow a character’s journey.

Register Now >>

Ages 12-16 The Sound and Fury of Shakespeare.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

Shakespeare’s words come to life as students explore the actions and tempo of the Bard’s writings. Using script analysis, movement techniques, and other acting tools, students will begin to unlock the power of Shakespeare’s plays.

Register Now >>

Time Lapse: Watch WFT's Trumpet of the Swan Come to Life

Watch in this time-lapse video as Wheelock Family Theatre's "Trumpet of the Swan" set and production come to life. Filmed over the course of several weeks, the film shows the tremendous effort involved in creating the professional set, lighting, and other effects that will bring this charming story to life.

This innovative, all-ages production is presented in both spoken language and American Sign Language. This family-friendly show runs from October 23 - November 22, 2015 at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

Learn more at wheelockfamilytheatre.org or purchase tickets.

Learning to Communicate and to Relate - The Trumpet of the Swan

Based on the award-winning children’s literature classic by E.B. White, author of “Stuart Little” and “Charlotte’s Web,” and presented by the Wheelock Family Theatre at Wheelock College, “The Trumpet of the Swan” tells the story of Louie, a swan born without a voice.

Louie, played by the deaf actor Elbert Joseph, befriends a young boy named Sam Beaver, played by Sebastian Wood, and learns American Sign Language (ASL) in this story about the natural world and our own human need to connect with others.

"I hope the audience leaves feeling that anything is possible"
- Annie Wiegand, Lighting Designer

This innovative, all-ages production is presented in both spoken language and American Sign Language. This family-friendly show runs from October 23 - November 22, 2015 at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

Reserve Your Seats Today!

Finding One's Voice: The Journey of Louis The Swan

Can a brass horn be the key to love? Louis, a trumpeter swan, is different from his sibling cygnets, for he was born without a voice. But with great diligence, patience, and resilience, Louis learns to play the trumpet and communicate his thoughts and feelings through the power of music. E. B. White’s award-winning story "The Trumpet of the Swan" is inspired by the natural world and our own very human need to connect and to communicate. This innovative, all-ages production features both spoken language and American Sign Language. It runs from October 23 - November 22, 2015 at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

Reserve your seats today!

TRAILER: The Trumpet of The Swan

Can a brass horn be the key to love? Louis, a trumpeter swan, is different from his sibling cygnets, for he was born without a voice. But with great diligence, patience, and resilience, Louis learns to play the trumpet and communicate his thoughts and feelings through the power of music. E. B. White’s award-winning story "The Trumpet of the Swan" is inspired by the natural world and our own very human need to connect and to communicate. This innovative, all-ages production features both spoken language and American Sign Language. It runs from October 23 - November 22, 2015 at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

Wheelock Family Theatre is a professional theatre company that creates intergenerational and multicultural productions that provide a shared experience for the whole family.  Our productions celebrate the diverse range of families found in the world today and seek to unite them in the shared experience of live theatre. Learn more at wheelockfamilytheatre.org.

Purchase your tickets today!

Focusing on ABILITY within The Trumpet of the Swan

Ability

Director Shelley Bolman reminds us that “We’re all, when it comes down to it, on the spectrum of ability versus disability. I want to encourage everyone to see people for their abilities, for what they can do, not for their limitations… just as Cob eventually does for Louis.”

For example. When Louis goes to school, he learns to read and write. When he gets his trumpet, he teaches himself to play. It never occurs to him that he might not be able to do these things. Not being able to make sounds with his voice is a challenge for Louis, but it doesn’t slow him down. He just finds other ways to say what he wants or needs.

Theatre as a Rehearsal for Life!

Education Programs at Wheelock Family Theatre

Wheelock Family Theatre’s Education Programs are sustained by both a professional theatre staff and Wheelock College, whose mission is improving the quality of life for children and families. Child-development faculty from Wheelock College work with artist-educators from WFT to create a challenging and rigorous theater curriculum that is available throughout the year. The result is a dynamic and exciting education program for students between the ages of 5 and 18. A scope and sequence process can inspire at any age. Some young people might pursue a career in the arts, some may develop an appreciation for patronage, and others might take the practices of critical thinking and creative problem solving into business or science. WFT wants to develop healthy, caring, engaged citizens with the necessary tools and skill sets for life!

WFT - Pioneers in Access and Inclusion

Since 1981, WFT has interpreted every production in American Sign Language.

Access has not been limited to our audiences—actors who are blind, deaf, and physically disabled have consistently been given performance opportunities on our stage. WFT was one of the few theatres in America to offer a theatre education program for deaf teen-agers, receiving the Coming Up Taller Award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.  From 1992 to1998, PAH! Deaf Youth Theatre provided creative and social learning opportunities for deaf teens.