Temple Emanu-El to present ‘Mary Poppins’

An East Meadow synagogue’s theater group is inviting the entire community to enjoy their production of a classic tale: “Mary Poppins.”

The Temple Emanu-El Players will present the play, based on the similarly titled series of children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, on Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy the musical, which is being staged at the synagogue located at 123 Merrick Ave. in East Meadow.

Formed in 1988, the Temple Emanu-El Players is currently comprised of about 20 congregants. Leaders said this is the 29th time they’ll stage a spring musical. The group also puts on shows in the winter.

“Mary Poppins” focuses on the Banks family, who live in London, England. George (played in the local production by Barry Block) and Winifred Banks (Alissa Grossman-Corey) want a strict nanny to care for their children, Jane (Sarah Reilly) and Michael (Josh Luce or David Schiller); but the children want a fun-loving caretaker, and are pleased when Poppins (Alexa Salzman) is ultimately hired.

Producers of the show say local audiences will enjoy watching Poppins — whose motto is, “anything can happen if you let it” — take the children on adventures and introduce them to a range of colorful characters. East Meadowites, as well as North Merrick, North Bellmore, Hicksville and Westbury residents of all ages make up the diverse cast and crew.

Tickets cost $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and $9 for teens and children. Women who attend the May 8 showing will also receive a special Mother’s Day gift, according to temple leaders.

To reserve tickets or learn more about the Temple Emanu-El Players, call (516) 794-8911 or email emanueloffice@optonline.net.