The Pacific Repertory Theater is performing “Mary Poppins” at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Moorer, PacRep)

CARMEL – “Mary Poppins” arrived at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater as the musical production to open the Pacific Repertory Company’s 2022 season.

This production is among the most ambitious ever staged at the 112-year-old theatre, with huge moving sets and aerial performances by flying actors made possible by the 40′ x 20′ truss and tower framework that supports the aerial maneuvers. Our heroine descends, umbrella held high, and floats onto the stage in the persona of Malinda DeRouen, whose portrayal of the beloved nanny is as “virtually perfect” as Poppins herself. She is an impressive personality with a beautiful voice and confident charm.

Los Angeles Actors’ Equity member Corey Wright also approaches perfection in the role of Chimney Sweep Bert, a paragon of charisma and physical litheness brimming with musical theatrical talent. DeRouen and Wright make an ideal and adorable couple in these roles.

The piece is directed and choreographed by Lara Devlin with vocal direction by Janice Marotta-Perl.

Devlin has created a Forest Theater masterpiece, guiding the 50-strong cast and crew through a vibrant, fast-paced production featuring terrific acting, singing and dancing from the directors and company. This adaptation of the PL Travers children’s stories and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke features classic songs like “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” New songs and additional music and lyrics have been added to this stage version co-created by Disney and Cameron Macintosh. Oscar-winning dialogue from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes adds panache to the musical.

The cast includes outstanding performances by Rob Devlin and Chrissy Brooks as George and Winifred Banks, whose misbehaving children, Michael and Jane, require the services of the extraordinary nanny. Bright young actors Heidi Witten-Forsythe, Zoe Ushakoff, Caden Devlin and Daisy Pearl Ashby take turns playing Michael and Jane. D. Scott McQuiston and Bri Slama amuse themselves as servants to the Banks family and Lyla Englehorn plays the terrifying Miss Andrews, the nanny who sings the new number “Brimstone and Treacle” to searing effect. Katharine Andrade White sings the poignant “Bird Woman” song with DeRouen. James Brady makes a dandy-gruff bank chairman the boss of George Banks.

Patrick McEvoy’s stunning sets on wheels weave in and out of the story’s settings: rooms in the Banks’ residence, London streets and parks, Bert’s rooftop and George’s banking establishment. Numerous special effects add to the scenic delight, including Mary Poppin’s magic carpet bag, from which she pulls a hat rack, a cup of tea, her umbrella and other unexpected items.

From the clothing changes of the indescribable Mary Poppins to the robes of park statues that come to life, the townsfolk, chimney sweeps, the Banks family and more, Ziona Goren’s costume designs add flair and fun to the show. Lighting designer Derek Duarte capitalized on the tower rig to which he added light banks that cleverly enhanced the visuals as the story progressed. Tony Nocita’s sound design ensured smooth orchestral accompaniment for the soloists and chorus, although some spoken dialogue was lost, particularly from the young actors.

Mary Poppins at the Forest Theater is a beautiful outdoor setting. The show plays Thursdays through Sundays through September 18th. For tickets and information, call 831-622-0100 or visit www.pacrep.org for more information.

The post ‘Mary Poppins’ has profitable touchdown in Carmel – Monterey Herald appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

CARMEL — “Mary Poppins” arrived at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater as a musical production opening Pacific Repertory Company’s 2022 season.

This production ranks among the most ambitious ever staged at the 112-year-old theatre, with giant movable sets and aerial performances by flying actors made possible by the 40-by-20-foot truss and tower rig supporting the aerial maneuvers. Our heroine descends, umbrella held high, floating onto center stage in the person of Malinda DeRouen, whose portrayal of the beloved nanny is as “practically perfect” as Poppins herself. She’s an impressive presence with a gorgeous voice and confident charm.

Los Angeles Actors’ Equity member Corey Wright, in the role of Bert the chimney sweep, also nears perfection, a model of charisma and physical suppleness bursting with musical theater talent. DeRouen and Wright make an ideal and enchanting pair in these roles.

The play is directed and choreographed by Lara Devlin with vocal direction by Janice Marotta-Perl.

Devlin has fashioned a Forest Theater masterpiece guiding the 50-member cast and crew in a vibrant, fast-paced production with terrific acting, singing and dancing by the principals and the ensemble. This adaptation of the children’s stories by PL Travers and the 1964 Disney film featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke containing classic songs such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” New songs and additional music and lyrics have been added to this stage version co-created by Disney and Cameron Macintosh. Dialogue by Oscar-winning Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes adds more panache to the musical.

The ensemble includes outstanding portrayals by Rob Devlin and Chrissy Brooks as George and Winifred Banks, whose misbehaving children, Michael and Jane, require the services of the nanny extraordinaire. Bright young actors Heidi Witten-Forsythe, Zoe Ushakoff, Caden Devlin and Daisy Pearl Ashby alternate performances as Michael and Jane. D. Scott McQuiston and Bri Slama amuse as the Banks family servants and Lyla Englehorn aces the terrifying Miss Andrews, the nanny, who sings the new number “Brimstone and Treacle” with searing effect. Katharine Andrade White sings the poignant “Bird Woman” song with DeRouen. James Brady makes a dandy gruff bank chairman, George Banks’ boss.

Patrick McEvoy’s impressive sets on wheels weave in and out of the story’s locations: rooms in the Banks’ residence, London streets and parks, Bert’s rooftops and George’s bank establishment. Numerous special effects add more scenic delight, among them Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag out of which she draws a hat rack, a cup of tea, her umbrella and other unexpected items.

From attire changes of the ineffable Mary Poppins to the garb of park statues coming to life, the townsfolk, chimney sweeps, the Banks family and more, Ziona Goren’s costume designs add flair and fun to the show. Lighting designer Derek Duarte benefitted from the tower rig, to which he added banks of lights that deftly enhanced the visual elements as the story evolved. Tony Nocita’s sound design provided smooth orchestral accompaniment for the soloists and chorus, though some spoken dialogue was lost, particularly from the young actors.

“Mary Poppins” at the Forest Theater is a lovely outdoor setting. The show plays Thursdays through Sundays through Sept. 18. For tickets and information call 831-622-0100 or see www.pacrep.org for further information.

The post ‘Mary Poppins’ has profitable touchdown in Carmel – Monterey Herald appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

CARMEL — “Mary Poppins” arrived at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater as a musical production opening Pacific Repertory Company’s 2022 season.

This production ranks among the most ambitious ever staged at the 112-year-old theatre, with giant movable sets and aerial performances by flying actors made possible by the 40-by-20-foot truss and tower rig supporting the aerial maneuvers. Our heroine descends, umbrella held high, floating onto center stage in the person of Malinda DeRouen, whose portrayal of the beloved nanny is as “practically perfect” as Poppins herself. She’s an impressive presence with a gorgeous voice and confident charm.

Los Angeles Actors’ Equity member Corey Wright, in the role of Bert the chimney sweep, also nears perfection, a model of charisma and physical suppleness bursting with musical theater talent. DeRouen and Wright make an ideal and enchanting pair in these roles.

The play is directed and choreographed by Lara Devlin with vocal direction by Janice Marotta-Perl.

Devlin has fashioned a Forest Theater masterpiece guiding the 50-member cast and crew in a vibrant, fast-paced production with terrific acting, singing and dancing by the principals and the ensemble. This adaptation of the children’s stories by PL Travers and the 1964 Disney film featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke containing classic songs such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” New songs and additional music and lyrics have been added to this stage version co-created by Disney and Cameron Macintosh. Dialogue by Oscar-winning Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes adds more panache to the musical.

The ensemble includes outstanding portrayals by Rob Devlin and Chrissy Brooks as George and Winifred Banks, whose misbehaving children, Michael and Jane, require the services of the nanny extraordinaire. Bright young actors Heidi Witten-Forsythe, Zoe Ushakoff, Caden Devlin and Daisy Pearl Ashby alternate performances as Michael and Jane. D. Scott McQuiston and Bri Slama amuse as the Banks family servants and Lyla Englehorn aces the terrifying Miss Andrews, the nanny, who sings the new number “Brimstone and Treacle” with searing effect. Katharine Andrade White sings the poignant “Bird Woman” song with DeRouen. James Brady makes a dandy gruff bank chairman, George Banks’ boss.

Patrick McEvoy’s impressive sets on wheels weave in and out of the story’s locations: rooms in the Banks’ residence, London streets and parks, Bert’s rooftops and George’s bank establishment. Numerous special effects add more scenic delight, among them Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag out of which she draws a hat rack, a cup of tea, her umbrella and other unexpected items.

From attire changes of the ineffable Mary Poppins to the garb of park statues coming to life, the townsfolk, chimney sweeps, the Banks family and more, Ziona Goren’s costume designs add flair and fun to the show. Lighting designer Derek Duarte benefitted from the tower rig, to which he added banks of lights that deftly enhanced the visual elements as the story evolved. Tony Nocita’s sound design provided smooth orchestral accompaniment for the soloists and chorus, though some spoken dialogue was lost, particularly from the young actors.

“Mary Poppins” at the Forest Theater is a lovely outdoor setting. The show plays Thursdays through Sundays through Sept. 18. For tickets and information call 831-622-0100 or see www.pacrep.org for further information.

The post ‘Mary Poppins’ has profitable touchdown in Carmel – Monterey Herald appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco voters overwhelmingly recalled all three Board of Education commissioners on the ballot during Tuesday’s election, according to preliminary results.

Initial results released by the San Francisco Department of Elections show 79 percent of voters agreed to recall Commissioner Alison Collins; 75 percent of voters agreed to recall Board President Gabriela Lopez; and 72 percent agreed to recall Board Vice President Faauuga Moliga.

Once the final election results are confirmed, Mayor Breed would be tasked with appointing replacements to serve the remaining respective terms of the recalled commissioners.

The recall was organized by the group Recall School Board Members Lopez, Collins, and Moliga — made up of more than 1,000 volunteers that include parents, educators, and other residents.

The group gathered nearly 80,000 signatures, well above the amount needed to make the ballot.

The group gained support, in part, due to dissatisfaction with the prolonged closure of San Francisco Unified School District schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although elementary schools reopened in April 2021, middle schools and high schools remained closed for in-person learning for the entire school year and reopened in the Fall 2021.

According to recall organizers, commissioners Lopez, Moliga, and Collins were the only commissioners eligible for recall because they have been sitting on the board the longest, not including commissioners who’ve won recent reelections.

The recall comes as the district is facing a budget shortfall of more than $100 million for the next fiscal year, prompting intervention by the California Department of Education.

Both Mayor London Breed and state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, among other city and state leaders, supported the recall effort.

“The voters of this city have delivered a clear message that the school board must focus on the essentials of delivering a well-run school system above all else,” Breed said in a statement on Tuesday night in response to initial voting results.

“There are many critical decisions in the coming months — addressing a significant budget deficit, hiring a new superintendent, and navigating our emergence from this pandemic. These are on top of the structural issues the district has faced for years that include declining enrollment and fixing our school assignment system to better serve families and our students.

The school district has a lot of work to do, and the city is ready to offer support as we all move forward,” she said.

Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and the United Educators of San Francisco have both come out against the recall. Both labor unions represent thousands of SFUSD staff.

The recall election is reportedly costing the city $8 million.

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From Congregation Member Phil Ting –

In a column at the beginning of the summer, I highlighted the achievements of this year’s historic state budget, which I negotiated and helped shape as chairman of the Assembly’s budget committee. I am pleased to report similar success on the legislative front with several of my bills focusing on our health, environmental and criminal justice systems.

My top laws this year target PFAS, harmful substances related to health problems like cancer, thyroid problems, and vaccination disorders. They are commonly referred to as “Forever Chemicals” because they take years to break down. AB 1200 prohibits the use of PFAS which coats to-go food containers to prevent fat seepage. Companies must now use safer alternatives. In addition, under this law, California will be the first state to require cookware manufacturers to disclose what chemicals, including PFAS, are in their products. Limiting our food’s exposure to these toxins means we don’t ingest them as much.

AB 1201 takes action against PFAS by raising the standards of what can be called “compostable”. Too many times we’ve seen packaging labeled as compostable even though it’s not because of the chemicals it contains. The contaminated compost is sometimes mixed with agricultural soil, making PFAS widespread in our air, water and elsewhere in the environment.

Another notable achievement is AB 33, which builds on my experience in fighting climate change. It expands an existing government soft loan program to allow public institutions such as schools and hospitals to install clean energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging. That way, they have the ability to work during power outages. With climate change worsening the California forest fire season, we need to be prepared for potential blackouts.

I have also made progress in making our criminal justice system fairer and more just. AB 1452 authorizes San Francisco County to run a pilot program to see if increasing the salary of low-income jurors from $ 15 per day to $ 100 per day would diversify the juries. Workers often try to get exempt from jury duty because they can’t afford to miss a paycheck, but that can result in a jury that doesn’t reflect the community. Studies show that juries with greater racial and income diversity tend to spend more time deliberating and less likely to start feeling guilty.

Unfortunately, my jaywalking law, AB 1238 / The Freedom to Walk Act, was rejected. We all deserve the freedom to cross the street. I will continue to work on ways to address not only the arbitrary enforcement of our jaywalking laws, but the costly tickets that financially weigh on working families and adversely affect our color communities.

Finally, I got special permission for the Seton Medical Center in Daly City that gives them up to a year to complete the seismic retrofit requirements. AB 1527, along with my previous efforts to keep this facility open during the pandemic, will enable our local health systems to continue to meet the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.

I’m already putting together the agenda for next year. My goal is to keep California moving forward, investing in the right priorities, and making sure our economic recovery includes all Californians.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Congregation District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and the parishes of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.

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