DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — You could have your opportunity to "go fly a kite" with Mary Poppins, right here in Central Illinois!
Thrive Theatre Group, a group consisting entirely of homeschoolers, is preparing for the opening weekend of their production of "Mary Poppins" this week.
After beginning rehearsals in July, nearly 60 players took to the stage for final rehearsals.Â
"Tech week is always my favorite. Primarily, just because I get to see my friends every single day of the week. That's one of the best parts. And I get to perform an awesome play like this," said Eiran Kopetz, who is playing Burt in the production.Â
Meg Bradshaw, playing the titular Mary Poppins, said she is thankful for the opportunity to perform on such a large scale.Â
"It's better than anything. It's being able to do a great show [that] is one thing, but being able to do [it] with great people is even better for sure," Bradshaw said.
Co-Directors Bekah Idle and Ashlea Bradshaw said they are proud to bring the performing arts to the young group and help foster connections in the Decatur homeschool community.
"What our group has done is it's come into a community that already existed and just created a new opportunity," Idle said.
And with opening night just a week away, they are hoping to fill all the seats.
"There's nothing more fun than to step out on stage for the first time as a performer and seeing an audience where the seats are filled," Bradshaw said.
The production runs at the Decatur Civic Center Oct. 10-12, with showings at 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online for $12 or at the door for $15.
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