In Focus: Mary Poppins Shows The Importance Of Community Theater

A magical nanny, enthusiastic chimney sweep and mischievous children are preparing to make their debut in Bemidji. Sweeping the city off its feet is the Bemidji Community Theater group.

Mary Knox-Johnson she’s been involved in numerous productions for the company.

Community theater has a long history in Bemidji. The company itself has been putting on performances since 1981, most recently making a home at the Historic Chief Theater. The separate Paul Bunyan Playhouse group has also played in various venues until transforming the space with the help of community members in 1992.

Robert Saxton says that this type of theater brings a special flavor and atmosphere to the city.

Knox-Johnson says Bemidji has been very supportive of community theater and the unique opportunity it provides to area actors.

Mary Anderson was a theater and opera major in college and says she’s performed with other local groups as well. While not working as a flight attendant, she fills her time by acting for the non-profit.

She says she always takes away something meaningful from her parts and the younger actors learn valuable life lessons as well.

Their passion and enthusiasm takes center stage through the classic story accompanied by beautiful music.

This production is including the community by holding a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious spelling bee with the next round on November 8th at 4:30 P-M at the Chief Theater.

More information about the spelling bee and show times for Mary Poppins can be found on the community theater’s website.