originally published: 04/17/2025
Maxim Verdicchio as Bert and Riley Conaty as Mary Poppins, photo by Dave Dabour
(GLEN GARDNER, NJ) -- ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT) brings the magic of Disney's "Mary Poppins" to the stage this May, featuring a double cast of talented young performers ages 7-18 at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner. The production includes six performances between May 3-11, 2025 with special aerial effects allowing the iconic nanny to truly take flight.
"This production showcases what makes SKIT special – giving young performers the chance to tackle principal roles in professional-caliber productions," said Carol Newman, Director. "The combination of the iconic story, unforgettable songs and dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft creates a magical experience for performers and audiences alike."
Based on P.L. Travers' beloved stories and the classic Walt Disney film, "Mary Poppins" follows the Banks family and their transformation after the arrival of a mysterious nanny who blows in on the East Wind. The production features the timeless songs "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "A Spoonful of Sugar."
Photo by Dave Dabour
The cast includes Riley Conaty in the title role of Mary Poppins, with Alex Apgar and Maxim Verdicchio alternating as Bert. Kaden Brightwell and Ian Schroeder perform as George Banks, with Gwen Jester as Winifred Banks. Joni Lazovick and Paige Wranitz share the role of Jane Banks, while Oliver Wong and Zachary Schroeder alternate as Michael Banks.
Additional cast members include Elizabeth Miller and Bella De La Torre sharing the roles of Katie Nanna and Bird Woman, Maddie Nasto as Miss Brill, Lucas DePaul as Robertson Ay, Tom Newman as Park Keeper and Bank Chairman, Lauren Stowers as Miss Smythe, Ryleigh DeWees and Claire Wranitz alternating as Mrs. Corry, Sophia DiLanno as Miss Andrews, and Callista Tronoski as Valentine.
In addition to the performances, SKIT is offering two special events:
* A Day Celebrating Caregivers, May 3rd at 2:00pm & 7:30pm - As part of the Saturday, May 3 performances, SKIT will hold a special recognition of extraordinary caregivers nominated by the community. These special individuals – nannies, daycare teachers, grandparents, babysitters, and others who bring joy and nurturing to children's lives – will be celebrated during the show. All nominated caregivers will be recognized, and one nominee will receive tickets to see the show. Email [email protected] by April 28, 2025 to submit your nominee.
* Seniors Brunch & Pre-show, May 4th from 12:30pm-1:45pm - On May 4, SKIT will host a special event for senior citizens, who are invited to enjoy a complimentary brunch and performance featuring SKIT alumni prior to the afternoon show. Senior brunch is complimentary with a purchase of a show ticket.
Alex Apgar as Bert, photo by Dave Dabou
Performances will be held at Voorhees High School Auditorium in Glen Gardner, NJ on Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, May 4 at 2:00pm (Senior Citizen Brunch); Saturday, May 10 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; and Sunday, May 11 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $14.50 to $23.50 and are available for purchase online or by calling 908-638-5959.
Founded in 1986, ShowKids Invitational Theatre is a non-profit repertory community theater group dedicated to providing young performers ages 7-18 with professional-caliber theatrical experiences. The organization focuses on casting youth in principal roles while maintaining high production standards through experienced artistic and technical teams. Over its 39-year history, SKIT has become known for creating opportunities for families to work together toward common goals while delivering family-oriented musicals to the community.
The production is made possible by funds from the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission, a New Jersey State Council of the Arts partner.
Oliver Wong as Michael, Riley Conaty as Mary Poppins, Alex Apgar as Bert, Joni Lazovick as Jane. Photo by Dave Dabour
You can have your events spotlighted here, whenever someone reads an article about GLEN GARDNER
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company is seeking non-equity singer/actors who are excellent movers/dancers for the 2026 NEXTStage Repertory 2026 Summer Season. The summer season includes The Wedding Singer and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever. Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"
(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, will be presented on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00pm & 6:30pm at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail.
The Growing Stage presents their 2026 New Play-Reading Festival
(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage presents their 2026 New Play-Reading Festival from April 23-25, 2026 at The Historic Palace Theatre. The festival presents four unpublished and unproduced Theatre for Young Audiences scripts. This year features works by Samara Siskind, Martin Follose, Grace Ward & Elke Myers, and Jeff Jenkins.
2026 Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival to Take Place April 25th
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Stargazer Performing Arts is proud to announce the plays and playwrights for the 2026 Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival. This is the second year for the festival which showcases original plays written by students ages 13 to 18. Staged reading of the plays will premiere on Saturday, April 25 in the Gia Maione Prima Black Box Theatre at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy in Toms River.
American Theater Group to Honor Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director James Vagias at Gala Benefit
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) will honor its outgoing co-founder and Producing Artistic Director James Vagias at its bi-annual Gala Benefit on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Union Arts Center. Vagias will retire this summer at the end of the 2025-26 Season. A successor will be named shortly.
Old Library Theatre presents "Julius Caesar"
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre presents Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare from April 24-26, 2026. You know the story. The Ides of March. The societal unrest.
Freehold Jewish Center presents NJ Premiere Reading of "The Silence of Our Friends" by Gary Morgenstein
(FREEHOLD, NJ) — The Freehold Jewish Center (Congregation Agudath Achim) will present the New Jersey premiere reading of award-winning playwright Gary Morgenstein's provocative new play The Silence of Our Friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00pm as a special fundraising event with all ticket proceeds going to the synagogue.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents 2026 New Jersey One-Act Play Festival
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents its 2026 New Jersey One-Act Play Festival, featuring five world premiere one-act plays by New Jersey playwrights, from April 24-26, 2026 at duCret Center of Art. The annual festival continues Dragonfly's mission of championing local artists, producing new work, and bringing diverse, community-centered storytelling to the stage.
Studio Players' Reading Series presents a staged reading of "Othello" on Sunday
(UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players' Reading Series presents a staged reading of Othello on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 7:00pm. Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most powerful and enduring tragedies—a riveting story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and the devastating cost of misplaced trust.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
