POTSDAM -- Potsdam Music Theatre, a program of the Community Performance Series, is currently in production for its first summer musical, "Mary Poppins," which will show from July 12 through July 19 at SUNY Potsdam.

Based on the P. L. Travers book series of the same name, "Mary Poppins" became a hit Disney movie-musical in 1964, and exactly 40 years later the musical adaptation of the treasured story had its West End premiere in Bristol, United Kingdom. Mary Poppins is a nanny with more than the usual qualifications; she uses her magical flair to affect not only the characters on stage, but also the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Shows will be held in the Performing Arts Center on July 12-16, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are set for July 14, 16 and 19 at 2 p.m.

Local talent Syl Foisy will be playing young Michael Banks. He is an eighth grader from Potsdam, and has previously been in the cast of the CPS productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Into the Woods." Foisy shared that if he had to be any other character in the show he would love to be Bert, for his fun-loving and highly energetic nature. High energy seems to be a trend for Foisy's interests, considering his accomplishments as a step dancer and a baseball player. Foisy is looking forward to sharing his talents in the tap number, "Step in Time."

The theatre adaptation of "Mary Poppins" includes favorite musical numbers like "Jolly Holiday" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite," and also introduces new songs like "The Perfect Nanny." This production has an inspiring set of creative minds on board, including an accomplished director and a stand-out cast. This collaboration of artists will surely make for a dazzling and unique take on the musical that is "practically perfect in every way."

Returning to the director's seat once again is Catherine Doherty, who directed the 2015 CPS production of "Into The Woods." Doherty is more than ready to jump into the challenges of not only directing "Mary Poppins" this summer, but also playing the role of Mrs. Briggs. In the past, she has worked professionally as an actress, director and stage manager, and has even written the book and lyrics for a musical. She has proven herself as a publically and critically acclaimed director, having worked on renowned plays and musicals, such as "The Crucible," "Elephant Man," "A Chorus Line" and "Of Mice and Men," as well as a 10-person original adaptation of "Chicago." She enjoys producing work here in the North Country because of the inclusive nature of the community.

Doherty has done considerable research on the history of "Mary Poppins," and P. L. Travers' original intentions for the character and the Banks family dynamics. The theatre adaptation of the story is a bit truer to the books than the movie version and isn't afraid to be grounded in the reality of this family's turmoil, while still incorporating all the whimsy and magic of a Disney musical. Doherty is particularly excited to put emphasis on the dynamic between the reality and the magic of this iconic story. Most importantly, she is excited to show how the beloved Mary Poppins is able to rescue people from their complacency with a bit of music and "just a spoonful of sugar."

The role of Mary Poppins will be portrayed by Emily Brockway. Brockway will be working with Doherty for the third time. They previously worked together on a production of "My Fair Lady" and again last year when Brockway played Cinderella in the CPS production of "Into the Woods."

Taking the stage as George Banks is Vincent D'Elia, who is no stranger to the North Country, having played Danny Zuko in a production of "Grease" for the former Music Theatre North. D'Elia is an New York City native.

Nic Thompson will play the role of Bert, a good-humored jack of all trades, because Thompson himself is a delightful individual who is thrilled to be playing such a fun-loving and cheerful character.

Playing the role of Jane Banks is 13 year-old Kailee Brandt. Brandt is from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Tickets are on sale for "Mary Poppins" and the second show of the 2016 Potsdam Music Theatre season, "Ring of Fire." Purchas by phoning the CPS Box Office at 267-2277 or visiting www.cpspotsdam.org.

For more information, visit www.cpspotsdam.org.