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TYPA brings ‘Mary Poppins’ to town
TYPA mary poppins
Sebastian Gutierrez (as Bert), Grace Buzzini (as Mary Poppins), Camden Van Iewen (Michael Banks) and Adali Guerrero (Jane Banks) will all star in the upcoming TYPA production of “Mary Poppins" (CANDY PADILLA/The Journal).

Turlock Youth Performing Arts is bringing music and magic to the stage with their production of “Mary Poppins.”

“Mary Poppins” tells the story of the enchanting nanny who descends from the clouds to bring a bit of order and merriment into the lives of the Banks family. Disney’s musical adaptation of the novel by P.L. Travers introduced the world to such songs as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cheree,” and “Super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious.”

“There is going to be magic on the stage for sure,” said Director Amber Traini. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and the audience is going to see things they wouldn’t expect.”

The title role of “Mary Poppins” will be played by TYPA newcomer Grace Buzzini from Oakdale.

“She absolutely nailed the lead when she came in to audition,” Traini said.

Buzzini has had experiences in other youth acting troupes and is enjoying her introduction to TYPA.

“When I learned I got the part, I cried,” Buzzini said. “It was a dream for me to get this role. I’m really enjoying this company and the process they use. It can be a scary thing to come into a new group, but everyone here has been so supportive and well-prepared.”

Playing the role of Bert is Pitman High School student and Denair resident Sebastian Gutierrez. He has been in two previous TYPA shows as a younger child.

Traini is a longtime collaborator with TYPA and for this show she is joined by Tom Oakley, who is serving as the musical director. Oakley is new to TYPA, but not musical theater.

“He’s so wonderful and great with the kids,” Traini said. He’s very talented and not one to settle.”

The show features a cast of 35 students ranging in age from incoming eighth-graders to outgoing seniors.

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Aug. 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. Aug. 4. All shows will be at the Turlock Community Theatre. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door or by calling (209) 535-4822.