The Upper St. Clair High School Theater Department recently performed their spring musical, Mary Poppins. The school was buzzing with excitement—not just for the performance itself, but for the casting announcements, production process, and everything in between. As always, the Upper St. Clair Theater Department delivered a truly magical show, thanks to the dedication of countless individuals.
So much goes into putting on a production like this. From teaching students how to tap dance to designing costumes and crafting props, every detail matters. The incredible stage crew and cast members began building and painting the set weeks before rehearsals even began. Crew heads directed the cast around the stage, helping to bring out their best performances. This year’s show even featured a flying contraption that lifted Mary Poppins into the air—an unforgettable highlight!
When people think of Mary Poppins, they usually picture characters like Mary herself, Jane Banks, or Mrs. Corry. But behind the magic are many more students working tirelessly, both onstage and backstage, to make the show a success. The cast worked hard to perfect their roles while the crew ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their dedication paid off: the show sold out for three nights in a row, with tickets being bought weeks—even months—in advance.
The musical brought together students from a wide variety of interests—dance team members, choir singers, musicians in the pit orchestra, and many others. It’s a unique time when students from all corners of the school unite with one goal: to create an unforgettable performance.
We spoke with a few participants about their experiences.
Olivia, a member of the ensemble, shared, “I loved how the directors didn’t make us feel any less important than the leads. It was so fun getting to hang out with friends while being part of something so amazing!”
Abby Smith, who played in the pit orchestra, said, “It was such a great production—the experience of a lifetime! I loved the music we got to play.”
Anna Stephens, a member of the stage crew, added, “I’m in charge of construction and stage left. I actually enjoy the chaos of it all—it really creates a family-like bond with everyone involved.”
Overall, this year’s musical was a brilliant success, uniting students from all walks of life to create something truly special. The audience got their money’s worth, and the memories made will last a lifetime. Congratulations to all the students and faculty who made Mary Poppins soar. We can’t wait to see what’s next!