Mary Poppins soars on her umbrella into the digital age in Chemeketa Community College’s production of the classic story.

Set in modern-day London, the college’s imaginative twist on “Mary Poppins” will feature cell phones, laptops and current everyday clothing. 

The musical premieres July 29 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park and runs through Aug. 7. The amphitheater is located at 200 Water St. N.E.

“The story of ‘Mary Poppins’ is just timeless, and the busyness of families and the chaos of our lives sometimes need to be interrupted by somebody who’s like Mary Poppins,” said Director Stephen Munshaw. 

Based on the Broadway musical, the play follows Mary Poppins, who becomes a nanny to a London family. With music and magic, she takes the children on adventures and teaches the family important lessons.  

“It definitely is kind of the traditional ‘Mary Poppins’ blended with a modern take on it,” Munshaw said, like a scene where Mary Poppins interrupts the kids on their cellphones.

The cast includes about 10 Chemeketa students performing with actors from the community. Each student is paired with a professional actor who serves as a mentor.

Taylor “Tek” Parris, a Chemeketa student, is playing Miss Smythe, the antagonist’s secretary who has been upgraded from a typewriter to a laptop in the reimagined play. 

“I was kind of intimidated by all the experienced members of the cast,” Parris said.

Megan Smith, who previously played Mary Poppins at the Pentacle Theatre, will star as the character again. Bert, a secondary character, is played by Benji Burgess, who was a finalist on Hungary’s Got Talent. 

“Everyone has a cool talent and ability that they used in other shows and are able to bring to this, and it’s really cool getting to talk to them about that,” Parris said.

The choreography has been the most difficult part of playing the role, but the cast and mentors have been very supportive, Parris said.

The play’s choreographer, Christopher Dean, has previously worked with the New York City Rockettes and brings a high level of professionalism to the production, Munshaw said. 

Munshaw said the cast has been “working their butts off” in rehearsals, practicing several days a week for three months. 

“People think it’s such a daunting project, but to see people very gratified with their own performance, that just makes me absolutely fulfilled,” Munshaw said.

To catch the show:

Guests are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the musical on the lawn.

Shows will be from 7:30-10 p.m. on July 29, 30 and 31, and Aug. 5, 6 and 7

The play is two and a half hours, including an intermission where guests can purchase snacks, barbecue or wine.

General admission tickets are $30, student and senior tickets are $25 and tickets for children 12 and under are $15. VIP tickets are available for $50 and include a chair in the VIP section and a free drink. Tickets can be purchased online.

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] or (208) 515-4097.