The show runs Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to curtain. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

Presented by the Kay Hardesty Logan Foundation and the SLT Academy, the production will feature a cast of local youth. Mary Poppins Jr. follows the story of Mary Poppins, the mysterious and magical nanny who arrives at the Banks household in Edwardian London.

“It’s such a special experience for the kids,” said director Jen Check. “Working in the theatre again allows them to explore creativity, confidence, and community. I love getting to be part of that with these performances.”

This year’s cast includes standout performances by: Mary Poppins – Anna Courson, Bert – Greyson Ling, George Banks – Blake Ristau, Winifred Banks – Alyssa Wismar, Jane Banks – Camdyn Cummings, Michael Banks – Caleb Hellman, Mrs. Brill – Sydney Johnson, Robertson Ay – Joseph Blasco, Katie Nanna – Lucy Harrison, Neleus – Sorren Check, Bird Woman – Kayl Unida, Miss Smythe – Peyton Kellogg, Chairman – Rory McBriar, Von Hussler – Sorren Check, John Northbrook – Drew Mandeville, Mrs. Corry – Caroline Smyth, Miss Andrew – Jadenne Fofana and Messenger – Ollie Manross.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Shown is the cast on the stage at the Struthers Library Theatre.

When asked about her favorite part of playing Mary Poppins, Anna Courson responded, “My character is Mary Poppins and my favorite part about her is how spunky she is. She is not just your average nanny.”

The production features more than 70 ensemble cast members filling the streets of London as townspeople, chimney sweeps, statues, kite flyers, and clerks.

Bees’, Kite Flyers, and London Children (100’s): Anna Bailey, Samuel Barr, Corbin Bartel, Korah Bosko, Adley Brown, Sebastian Cable, Walker Check, Camdyn Cummings, Caroline Everetts, Mackenzie Everetts, Ethan Gulisek, Eliza Hellman, Alaina Leach, Thatcher McClellan, Daisy Mead, Audrey Nobels, Peyton O’Donnell, Blake Peterson, Penelope Rex, Ava Robbins, Elizabeth Rockwell, Avalee Seither, Bella Smith, Atticus Sullivan

Clerks, Statues, and Citizens of London (200’s): Sidney Arnold, Lily Berkhous, Joseph Blasco, Kaylynn Bosko, Kyler Bosko, Madalynn Campbell, Anastasia Cauley, Sorren Check, Ryder Check, Chloe Franklin, Clarabella Glarner, Ceilia Gregg, Adelyn Hamilton, Emery Heacox, Laetynn Hoffman, Sophia Kenworthy, Madilynn Leichtenberger, Rosalyn Lindquist, Rory McBriar, Reagan McClellan, Maeve Miranda, Kinsley Norris, Gracelynn Rockwell, Laynah Rowland, Kate Smith, Mackenzie Spence, Peyton Vincent, Isabella Wenzel, Mary Williams

Chimney Sweeps and Citizens of London (300’s): Natalie Baxter, Emma Campbell, Kelsey Campbell, Kendra Casey, Cayla Chapman, Lettie Chrisie, Jadenne Fofana, Lucille Harrison, Peyton Kellogg, Drew Mandeville, Ollie Manross, Evelyn Mechling, Madalyn Nobles, Kayla Oaks, Avalynne Russell, Caroline Smyth, Kayl Unida, Katie Upton.

Greyson Ling, playing the loveable and lively Bert, added, “He’s a very fun and active character and a big part of the show.”

For many of the young actors, the Academy is about more than just theatre.

“Being with everyone, everyone is so connected and all loves the same thing,” said ensemble member Katie Upton.

Bird Woman actress Kayl Unida reflected on the personal connections she’s made: “I think meeting new people–and they are just some of the best people I have ever met–especially since it is my first year and I get to have really great people in my corner.”

Senior Drew Mandeville, who plays John Northbrook, shared, “Just being able to spend time with people in a community I really enjoy being in and doing one last show for my senior year.”

The production is directed by Jen Check, with Rob Pearce serving as Vocal Director. Check emphasized how much she values the return of live youth theatre.

“I love getting to be part of that with these performances,” she said.