An actor who grew up in Coquitlam and now calls Ontario home is cast as the Dick Van Dyke character of Bert in an upcoming stage production of Mary Poppins.
Darren Burkett portrays the famous English character for the 32nd season of the Royal City Musical Theatre (RCMT), which opens its Broadway musical tonight, April 27, at the Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave., New Westminster).
Tickets are now on sale for the run until May 12.
Directed and choreographed by former Port Coquitlam resident Valerie Easton — RCMT’s artistic director — with musical direction by Peter Abando, Mary Poppins stars Vancouver actor Meghan Gardiner in the titular role made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1964 musical/fantasy flick.
“The version you will see on stage is much closer to the original spirit of the P.L. Travers books than the famous Disney film, but still emphasizes the value and strength of family,” Easton said in a news release.
The show also includes such singalong hits as "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
Tickets start at $27 to see Mary Poppins at Massey Theatre in New Westminster. Call the RCMT box office at 604-521-5050 or visit online.
Cast and crew
- Simon Abraham - Robertson Ay/Teddy/Ensemble
- Alice Battista - Katie Nanna/Ensemble
- *Darren Burkett - Bert
- Riley Calderwood - Michael
- Katie-Rose Connors - Miss Andrew, Londoner
- Danica Domay - Fannie/Ensemble
- Charlie Emma Lynn - Jane
- Colton Fyfe - Policeman/Von Hussler/Ensemble
- *Meghan Gardiner - Mary Poppins
- *Janet Gigliotti - Winifred Banks
- Megan Greenwood - Miss Smythe/Ensemble
- Addyson Handregan - Jane
- Julianna Kato - Bird Woman/Londoner
- Sarah Lane - Mrs. Brill
- David Longas Orozco – Ensemble
- Ava Maddison - Ensemble
- Noah McKimm - Neleus/Dance Captain/Ensemble
- Sarah McKinnon- Miss Lark
- Jenny Nguyen - Ensemble
- Roan Osenton-Boutin - Michael
- Elliette Rae - Annie/Londoner
- Jesse Redmond - Admiral Boom/Chairman
- Blake Sartin - Ensemble
- Thomas Schultes - Ensemble
- Dane Smit - Park Keeper/Ensemble
- *Kirk Smith - George Banks
- Jennifer Suratos - Mrs. Corry/Londoner
- Madison Stocker - Doll/Ensemble
- Spencer Swift - Valentine/Ensemble
- Chantelle Ward - Dance Captain / Ensemble
Creative Team
- Director & Choreographer - Valerie Easton*
- Musical Director - Peter Abando
- Stage Manager - Inga McLaughlin*
- Set Designer - Brian Ball
- Props Designer - Stephanie Barclay
- Costume Designer / Coordinator - Alex Campagnaro
- Sound Designer - Cormac Dowdall
- Lighting Designer - Darren W. Hales
- Producer - Devon MacKinlay
- Technical Director - Jim Nelson
- Assistant Prop Designer - Sharie Nelson
- Choreography Assistant - Alishia Suitor
- Assistant Stage Manager - Laura Efron
- Assistant Stage Manager - Gerri Torres
*The participation of these artists is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy.
