'Mary Poppins' flies into Olympia for two shows on July 18-19
Originally published on The JOLT News on July 16th, 2025
Last week, Pacific Northwest Theatre and Assistant Director Alex Greene invited me to attend a rehearsal of “Mary Poppins Jr,” and allowed me to hold group and individual interviews with the student cast.
It delighted my heart to hear that these students (ages 9-12) have loved creating this show, making friends, learning songs and having fun together. Multiple students provided wise and profound insight that reminded me of the importance of giving youths a spotlight and providing moments for them to be seen and heard as people.
Let me be candid: I think young people are often overlooked or underestimated because of their age. It's easy to forget that kids are incredibly observant and do have something to say about the crazy world we live in, especially when adults speak for them.
Every member of “Mary Poppins Jr” is bright, passionate, kind, talented, and has insight to offer that we all need to hear. I asked these students why they have loved rehearsals, why they think Mary Poppins and art in general are so important today, and what they want to say to everyone in Thurston County.
I will let them speak for themselves — grab a box of kleenex and enjoy:
“Everyone in Thurston County needs to be told 'hello,' and go see plays.”
“Mary Poppins showed me that small gestures can really make a difference.”
“Art brings us all together and helps us to have fun.”
“I don’t usually sing in public, but this has allowed me to sing a lot and I really like it.”
“Mary Poppins is important for families … everyone goes through a rough time at some point, and Mary Poppins gives them hope and reminds them that everything is going to be OK.”
“Art is about culture, and helps define culture and shape the world.”
“I can’t wait to bring this show to the community and show them how hard we worked memorizing everything.”
“Art is important for building community.”
“Mary Poppins teaches that family always comes first.”
“If you're sad or having a bad day, art can bring you joy.”
Mary Poppins sings, “Come feed the little birds, show them you care, and you will be glad if you do.” Tickets to their two performances are $5.49 each, the equivalent of “tuppance a bag.”
These are remarkable students, cheer them on and join me in the audience.
Purchase tickets here. Learn more about Pacific Northwest Theatre here.
Alex Greene
A graduate of Saint Martins University in Lacey with a theatre arts degree, Alex Greene (nee Daugherty) is on staff with the Pacific Northwest Theatre and is the Assistant Director for “Mary Poppins Jr.”
Along with her role at Pacific Northwest Theatre, Green continues to pursue acting, play clarinet and ukulele, craft, sew, crochet and write poetry, hoping to become a published author one day. I found Greene to be very kind, creative, passionate, sparkly and intelligent.
Each artist I have interviewed this summer has mentioned their concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts the art world. When discussing AI, Greene reminded me of something vital to this discussion: everyone is busy and wants to get everything done quickly.
The advancement of technology has increased supply and demand, and thus the world forces us to rush, and that is precisely why we need art to slow us down, allow us to express what is going on inside, and remember who we are.
Entering the art world when that is not your area of focus can be initially intimidating, but Greene reminded me that there is a place for everybody in the arts, and that art can enhance everyone’s lives.
“Even if you are going into a scientific path, you should take an art class because there are things you can learn from art and apply to everyday life," Greene said.
"You can also apply your skillsets in creating art through carpentry and using your math skills to build sets. ... Art allows us to learn different perspectives and teaches us to be open, and we need that to function in society.”
Watching Greene during the rehearsal of “Mary Poppins Jr,” I saw her teach her students about patience, respect, kindness and coming out of your shell.
These are lessons we all need in order to live life to the fullest and make this world a better place. I invite you to pour your skills, knowledge, talent, time and resources into the arts — it is a worthy investment.