Kudzu Playhouse

“Mary Poppins” delights Mid-South audiences

July 25, 2017 by Daniel Mullins Leave a Comment

Mary Poppins Step in Time — The cast of “Mary Poppins” kicks up their keels during the Kudzu Playhouse production of the popular musical which ends its run this coming weekend at HPAC. PC: Andy Young

A not-to-be-missed show, the North Mississippi premiere of Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins” concludes this weekend at the Hernando Performing Arts Center on Dilworth Lane in Hernando.

Four shows remain for this favorite family classic including Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m..

Theatre-goers are urged to come early for tickets, since there is no assigned seating available.

The Kudzu Playhouse production stars local actress and singer, Desiree Albonetti, who is the living epitome of the colorful Mary Poppins character with a look and voice that match those of famed Broadway actress Julie Andrews, who originated the role on stage and on the silver screen.

The role of “Bert” is played by Russell Lehman, who also choreographed the show and designed the set, scene changes, and all the special effects.

The show is packed with much of north Mississippi’s best regional talent, particularly young adult talent, including five Orpheum High School Musical Theater Award winners: Ethan Benson, “Best Leading Actor,” selected in May of this year; Riley Young, “Best Supporting Actor; Erica Penninger, Best Leading Actress, 2015; and Russell Lehman, Best Leading Actor, 2013.

The show is being directed by Keith Salter and produced by Kudzu Playhouse, one of the region’s oldest theatrical companies.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

This article originally appeared in the Desoto Times-Tribune on July 24, 2017. Original article here

Kudzu Announces Sensory-Friendly Performance of Mary Poppins

July 22, 2017 by Daniel Mullins Leave a Comment

Kudzu Playhouse and the cast of “Mary Poppins” are pleased to provide a special, sensory-friendly, private performance for our good friends at The Arc of Northwest Mississippi on Thursday, July 27th.

We are honored to be able to share our love for the performing arts and support the many wonderful organizations doing great work throughout our community. For more information on The Arc of Northwest Mississippi, please visit thearcnwms.org

Mary Poppins Tickets — On Sale Now!

July 7, 2017 by Daniel Mullins

Mary Poppins Tickets are now on sale!

Mary Poppins Tickets
$12.00 – $17.00 Select options

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Click “Select Options” above to choose your ticket type and show date! If you need to purchase multiple ticket types (Standard Adult admission and senior/child admission) simply make your selections, “Add to Cart” and then change the ticket type or show date and “Add to Cart” again!

Summer Camps 2017 Updated

June 3, 2017 by Daniel Mullins Leave a Comment

Summer camps at Kudzu Playhouse – it’s the place to be!

THIS JUST IN – LION KING JR SUMMER CAMP IS NOW TWO WEEKS AND ONLY $250!

We are all about listening to what our theater friends are telling us, so because we know summers can be just as crazy with scheduling and budgets, we are now offering our “Lion King Junior” summer camp as a two-week camp for the same low price as all our previous two-week camps – only $250.

Dates are June 19-23 AND June 26-30, with the final performance on June 30. Ages are 11 to 16 and camps will meet from 1 to 5 Monday through Friday of each week. For complete details and to register, visit the camp page.

Summer camps at Kudzu Playhouse are an incredible way to introduce your child to theatre, or to give them that extra boost to take themselves to the next level! Kudzu employs directors and counselors who are at the top of their field and have been working with children just like yours for years!

Thanks to everyone who shared feedback. We “just can’t wait” to see you in the Pridelands!

S.T.A.R.S. (Southern Theatrical Arts Repertory School)

May 18, 2017 by Daniel Mullins Leave a Comment

About S.T.A.R.S.

S.T.A.R.S. is Kudzu Playhouse’s premiere theatrical education program, designed to provide instruction in all aspects of live theatrical arts to all ages. Classes and workshops are available on a rotating basis in acting, dance, vocal instruction, auditions, technical (lights and sound), as well as stage elements (stage management, props, set design) and will be offered to wide range of ages and experience levels.

Fall 2017 S.T.A.R.S. Theatre Training Program

Classes: Thursdays, beginning January 19, 2017
Class 1: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. (FULL)
Class 2: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: New Discovery Church, 961 Vinson Road, Hernando, MS

Fees: $50.00 per month with a $25.00 registration fee (due at time of registration)

Final performances: May 20, 2017 at the Hernando Performing Arts Center, 805 Dilworth Lane, Hernando, MS

Students ages 6 and up are involved in all aspects of the production. They learn to work together to direct and choreograph under the guidance of director Daphne Cox. Ms. Cox has over 20 years experience working with children and has directed more than 25 child-only theatrical productions. The final performance is a culmination of the students’ work.

Synopsis of Show:
Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.