by Michael Van Buren

After almost exactly eighteen months, Mary Poppins is returning to the Golden Chain Theater’s stage. Caroline McDonald and most of the cast of over forty are returning to the roles they only got to play for one weekend out of the five planned for March of 2020 when the show had to be closed because of the burgeoning pandemic.

Director James Mierkey, expressing his feelings about bringing this show back to the stage said, “Musical theater is always about creating a magical relationship between the performers and the audience using the music and the story as the spell allowing all of the participants to be transported to a different world. Once in a while a show just comes together where that magic is very powerful. Golden Chain’s Mary Poppins was just such a show. Caroline (McDonald) was born to play the role of Mary Poppins and the whole cast had poured themselves into their roles. It was such a tragedy when the show had to be closed that we never let go of it. Sets, props, and costumes waited just as the performers for when this enchanting show could be brought back to life. We have spent the last ten weeks sprucing up the Bank’s home, dusting off the rooftop chimneys, and making the show even better than it was the first time. We could not be more excited to bring this experience back to our audiences.”

The Golden Chain Board of Directors and staff have worked hard to make sure that we are in compliance with all Madera County Covid-19 guidelines and will be closely monitoring updates from them to be sure we are adapting to changes in those guidelines. Patrons can find updated information on these measures and requirements for attendance on our website at goldenchaintheatre.org/covid-19.

The GCT family is looking forward to warmly welcoming back our patrons to the theater. We have missed you!

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.