The Panache Players staged a eight showings of Mary Poppins over the past two weeks, all to sold out audiences, setting a record of over 900 tickets sold. It was arguably one of our best.  Ethan Roberts, our first full-time drama instructor, spent hours directing it.  On Thursday, our accompanist, Melissa Bailey, became ill, but pushed the meds and pushed the music…for three hours each show!  After the performance she would go home, ice her wrists, put her hands in braces and fall into bed.   Few schools boast of a professional staff that could pull this off “live.” 

               Those efforts supported a well-polished cast of twenty students.  Led by Brey Welch (Mary Poppins), Corey Hackenbracht (Bert), Noah Caldwell (Mr. Banks) and Nicole Clark (Mrs. Banks), the cast brought drama to a new level at New Covenant.  And who could forget the near show-stealing performance by Lizzie Bryant (Mrs. Andrew/Mrs. Corey), who, in two minor roles lit the stage with her presence and voice.  We look forward to the production of Peter Pan later this spring.