Mary Poppins
Highlands Theater – Summer 2026

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MARY POPPINS (20s–30s) – Jane and Michael Banks’s new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes; should move well. May have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction are key.

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GEORGE BANKS (30-45) – Father to Jane and Michael Banks, a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding precision and order in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who has little to do with his children and believes he had the perfect upbringing under his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. Baritone, strong singer.

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JANE BANKS (9–12) – The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Bright and precocious, but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness. Sings well.

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MICHAEL BANKS (8–10) – The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and mischievous, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave to get their parents’ attention. Sings well.

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KATIE NANNA / ENSEMBLE (20s–30s) – Jane and Michael’s nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and frazzled, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.

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MISS LARK / ENSEMBLE (30s–50s) – The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if he were a child.

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ADMIRAL BOOM / BANK CHAIRMAN (50s) – [ADMIRAL BOOM] A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for Miss Lark. Doubles as [BANK CHAIRMAN], the rigid and proper head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed. Strong character baritone.

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BIRD WOMAN (40s–60s) – Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, her pockets filled with crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. Sings “Feed the Birds.” Voice may have a gruff, folksy quality reflecting the hardship of her life.

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ROBERTSON AY (20s) – The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy, and often grumbling, he rarely gets things right and believes himself to be useless. Minimal singing, but his “Spoonful” moment can be a comedic highlight.

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PARK KEEPER / ENSEMBLE (30s–40s) – A rule-obsessed authority figure who strictly enforces order in the park, but reveals a hidden playful, childlike side.

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NELEUS / ENSEMBLE (20s) – The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Separated from his father, Poseidon, he is small, lonely, and deeply emotional, but lights up when befriending Jane and Michael. Strong dancer with featured movement.

 

VALENTINE / ENSEMBLE (20s–30s) – Jane’s doll brought to life. Stylized, toy-like movement with a slightly heightened, whimsical quality. Featured in “Playing the Game.” Bari-tenor.

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VON HUSSLER / ENSEMBLE (30s–40s) – A comic businessman with a German accent; bold, heightened character role.

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JOHN NORTHBROOK / ENSEMBLE (20s–30s) – An honest and grounded businessman with a Northern England accent; warm, straightforward, and kind.

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ENSEMBLE (18+) – Strong singer/actors who dance extremely well. Versatile performers who bring the world of the show to life.

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KIDS ENSEMBLE  – Singer/actors who move well and have great energy on stage. Focused performers who are in the ensemble moments of the show.

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Synopsis

Mary Poppins follows the Banks family of Cherry Tree Lane, where life has become a bit too proper—and a lot less joyful. When the children, Jane and Michael, chase away yet another nanny, a mysterious and magical new caretaker arrives: Mary Poppins.

With her no-nonsense charm and extraordinary abilities, Mary Poppins turns everyday moments into unforgettable adventures. Alongside her cheerful companion Bert, she introduces the children to a world filled with imagination - from a lively day in the park to a high-energy rooftop dance with chimney sweeps. But while the children are swept up in wonder, it’s their parents - particularly the rigid and work-focused Mr. Banks - who have the most to learn.

Through her unique blend of discipline and delight, Mary Poppins helps the Banks family rediscover the importance of connection, kindness, and finding joy in the little things. And just as suddenly as she arrives, she departs - leaving behind a family forever changed, and a reminder that a little magic can go a long way.