Winter has been harsh, but Bert the chimney sweep feels a change in the air:

"Wind's in the east, mist coming in. Like somethin' is brewin' and 'bout to begin."

The East Wind and an enormously talented group of student performers are bringing the whimsy of "Mary Poppins: the Broadway Musical" to the Emmaus High School stage.

The show incorporates elements of P.L. Travers' original story, the 1964 Disney movie and musical numbers such as "Practically Perfect" and "Anything Can Happen" written specifically for the Broadway version.

Veteran EHS director Jill Kuebler and musical director/choreography coordinator Rita Cortez have orchestrated yet another large scale production and polished it to the level of professionalism.

In their directors' notes Kuebler and Cortez credit the "...great number of overwhelmingly talented [EHS] students" for the scope and finesse of the final product.

The dedication of the cast and crew is another essential element. After auditioning in late December [2014], students have been rehearsing since early January.

Appearing in the title role, Micah Gilley heads a 48-member cast that possesses experience and depth.

Gilley, who played the wardrobe in the 2014 presentation of "Beauty and the Beast," is joined by fellow seniors Mason Trinkle, Matthew Johnston and Katie Gigler as Bert, Mr. Banks and Mrs. Banks respectively.

Trinkle brought the character Gaston to life in "Beauty and the Beast" and all have appeared in not only last year's musical but also in "Legally Blonde" and "Guys and Dolls."

Rounding out the Banks' household are sophomore Julia Bezems, a member of the "Beauty and the Beast" ensemble and freshman newcomer Patrick Martin as Mary Poppins' charges Jane and Michael.

With much hard work behind them, the student musicians, technicians, crew and cast make their rendition of Mary Poppins sparkle. Audiences need only sit back and breathe in the magic.

Regular performances run March 18 through March 22. At this time, all shows are completely sold out.