Have you ever wondered what happens backstage during an East Noble Theatre production? How do all the sets and props magically appear right before our eyes?

Let me tell you, it’s not easy. It takes every hand and muscle available to move sets, pull down drops, and get everyone on stage at the right time. This year’s winter musical, Mary Poppins, is one of the hardest productions East Noble Theatre has ever done. Most high schools tend to stay away from performing this show because of the length and the massive sets. So many elements go into each set. Very few times in this show do we move the sets in front of the audience. After the number “Step in Time”, the audience does see the house come together right before the chimney sweeps dance through the parlor.

But this is how the magic happens most of the time: a drop or some type of curtain is pulled down to cover up the back half of the stage, side black curtains or legs that usually hide sets and cast members backstage are raised, and each piece is rolled onto the stage. Sometimes, there’s a blackout and we change the sets in the dark (In case you were wondering, it’s not easy!). In Mary Poppins, there are many hidden set pieces and changes such as collapsing counters and falling shelves.

Not only does the cast and crew work their magic by changing the sets; we patiently wait for the next scene or the next big production number. There are many big production numbers in Mary Poppins that almost every ensemble member is a part of. Fan and cast favorites include Jolly Holiday, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Step in Time.

If you missed this magical show, get ready to purchase tickets for The Aristocats, coming January 29^th and 30^th and The Nerd, February 25^th, 26^th, and 28^th. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is Mr. Munk’s first and last spring musical on April 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, and May 1^st. The 50^th anniversary show will be June 11^th. So don’t worry if you’ve missed previous shows because there’s still so much more coming to East Noble Theatre.

Visit www.eastnobletheatre.net or check out the display case in the Cole Auditorium lobby for more information.