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First Act - Mary Poppins

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
February 5, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
to February 8, 2026 @ 4:30 pm
Disney's Marry Poppins logo on a blue background

Details

Original Music and Lyrics by RICHARD M. SHERMAN & ROBERT B. SHERMAN | Book by JULIAN FELLOWES | New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by ANTHONY DREWE & GEORGE STILES | Co-Created by CAMERON MACKINTOSH

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Run time of Mary Poppins is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Performance Schedule:

  • Thursday, February 5, 2026 @ 7 p.m.
  • Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 10 a.m.*
  • Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026 @ 2 p. m.
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026 @ 7 p. m.
  • Sunday, February 8, 2026 @ 2 p.m.

* School Day Performance

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.