Character Descriptions

Mary Poppins: Jane and Michael Banks’s new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet very particular, and sometimes a little frightening. Through it all, she is always exciting! She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. Very strong vocals and acting, as well as solid dancing skills are required for this role. ​

Vocal Range: G3 - F5​

​

Bert: The narrator of the story and a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert is a chimney sweep and a sidewalk artist, among many other occupations. With a twinkle in his eye and a skip in his step, Bert watches over the children and the goings-on around Cherry Tree Lane. He is a song-and-dance man with oodles of charm who is wise beyond his years. Strong acting and dancing, and solid vocal skills are required for this role.

Vocal Range: B2 - F4

​

Jane Banks: The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks, bright and precocious but sometimes willful and inclined to snobbishness. Strong acting and singing skills are required for this role as Jane goes on an emotional journey of discovery.  We will be looking for a strong pairing with Michael.

Vocal Range: A3 - Eb5

​

Michael Banks: The cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and longs desperately for his attention. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents. Strong acting and singing skills are required for this role. We will be looking for a strong pairing with Jane.

Vocal Range: A3 - E5

​

George Banks: Husband to Winifred and father to Jane and Michael. As his name suggests, George is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that Miss Andrew, his cruel, strict childhood nanny, gave him the perfect upbringing. George's emotional armor, however off-putting, conceals a sensitive soul. Very strong acting skills are required for this role

Vocal Range: Bb2 - F4 - can be adjusted for higher vocal ranges

​

Winifred Banks: George's wife and mother to Jane and Michael. She is a loving homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's social aspirations while striving to be a model wife and mother. Very warm and deeply feeling, Winifred requires a strong, mature stage presence with strong singing and acting skills.

Vocal Range: A3 - Eb5

​

Mrs. Brill: The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked, she’s always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Strong acting skills and a bold stage presence are required for this role, with minimal-to-no singing.

​

Robertson Ay: The houseboy to the Banks family. Forgetful and clumsy, he often bungles simple tasks. A quiet but fun presence in the house, strong comedic acting skills are required for this role.

Note: his last name is pronounced like “eye.” 

​

Neleus: Neleus is a statue who, once brought to life by Mary Poppins, is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. A strong presence with bold acting skills, solid vocals, and strong dance/movement skills are required for this role.

Vocal Range: Bb4 - Eb5

​

Bird Woman: The Bird Woman is covered in a patchwork of old shawls, her pockets stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell the crumbs to Passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. While she should be a solid singer, there can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the difficulties of her situation. A great role for a performer with solid acting and singing skills.

Vocal Range: G3 - D5

​​

Miss Andrew: Miss Andrew is George’s overbearing and scary childhood nanny. With her bottle of nasty- tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A very bold presence and strong singing skills are required for this role.

Vocal Range: G#3 - D5

​

Von Hussler: Von Hussler is a businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. This is a great character role for a bold actor who can command the stage with pomposity. 

​

John Northbrook: John Northbrook is an honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. A warm presence with solid singing and acting skills are required for this role.

Vocal Range: C3 - D4

​

Mrs. Corry: Mrs. Corry owns a magical Talking Shop. She is a mysterious woman of indeterminate age, but has plenty of spirit and is sharp as a tack. Mrs. Corry is a fun, energetic role that requires bold acting skills.

Vocal Range: C#4

​​

Miss Smythe:  Miss Smythe is the bank Chairman’s humorless secretary. She brings a wonderful foil to the story when she is juxtaposed against the playful world of Jane, Michael, Mary, and Bert. Solid acting skills and a firm presence are required for this role.

​

Chairman: The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, the Chairman is an Edwardian stuffed shirt. A strong presence with solid acting skills are required for this role. 

​​

Policeman: The Policeman is a neighborhood patrol officer, interacts with the Banks family and their neighbors. A solid presence is required for this role.

​

The Messenger: The one who delivers a summons from the bank to George, the Messenger is part of the Banks family's community. A solid presence is required for this role.

​

Additional Roles:

Honeybees, Statues, Clerks, Customers, Kite Flyers, Chimney Sweeps, 

​