“Anything can happen if you let it” is advice from the no-nonsense nanny Mary Poppins who comes to life on the stage through Mia Moyer at St. Ann School, 435 S. Sixth St., Emmaus. The musical is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film with original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. New songs and additional music and lyrics have been provided by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Leah Patterson brings the character of Bert to life on the stage as the “jack of all trades.” Patterson tells the story of the troubled Banks family through song and dance. Patterson’s animated storytelling and dancing is top-notch. George Banks is played by Liana Mulero and Winifred Banks is played by Ann Mathew. Both capture hearts in their presentation as mother and father, but also as husband and wife.

Young Jane Banks played by Evelyn Scholz and Michael Banks played by August Wendel capture the characters’ spoiled sides who send their nanny packing. Their behavior leads Mary Poppins to the family’s doorstep. Moyer does not disappoint with her portrayal of Mary Poppins. Moyer captures the essence of Poppins in her poise, posture and sassiness. She is vibrant on stage standing out in costumes prepared by Kimberly Patterson and her team. Moyer’s singing in the various numbers is “Practically Perfect.”

The notable set design illuminates each scene, especially the chimney sweeps and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” scenes. For set construction, Ariel Scholz, Lucas Moyer and Alex Page prepared a stage that makes one feel part of the story. Director/Choreographer Denise Binder’s choreography for the 39 students is creative and entertaining. Coordinating approximately 20 students waving “flying kites” in the scene “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and keeping eight sweeps in sync for “Step in Time” is commendable. The props prepared by Ariel Scholz and her team of individuals including eighth grade art classes adds more than a “teaspoon of sugar” to this production.

This production would not have been possible without the numerous parents, students, teachers and staff who volunteered countless hours and individuals, families and businesses who donated items.

Binder and Music Director/Set Designer Ariel Scholz have worked together for nine years preparing productions. This is their eighth spring musical (they lost a year to COVID-19). Joseph Mowad has joined this team as an assistant director and stage manager. His stage crew and lighting keeps the production moving along.

For the past seven years, Binder and Ariel Scholz have also worked together providing summer theater camps which include singing, dancing and improvisation. The camps this year will be held July 14-18 and are for students entering grades 4-9. This year’s production will be “Imagine a Dragon” which is an “enchanting story about friendship, honesty and a community banding together to help each other.”

Performances for “Mary Poppins Jr.” are 6 p.m. March 28 and 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 29. Contact the school at 610-965-2426 for tickets and information. Evening performances tend to sell out and this is one production you do not want to miss!