Do not delay and get your tickets today! Next week, the F-F Theatrical Co. will be highlighting its production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” from March 22-24. In the lead-up to this year’s performance, we have been sharing interviews and updates for this year’s production. Today, we are fortunate to gain access and sit down with Miss Poppins herself, who will be played by Fonda-Fultonville High School senior Illyria Escher. Learn more about how she became interested in the performing arts, why it has impacted her love for performing, and a few extra tidbits as well.
How do you approach playing this role?
Some people would use method acting and I like to focus on making the character my own. I like to create my character, or a version of it, but still retain the essence of Mary Poppins.
What does performing mean to you?
Performing is not something you can just pick up. I have learned to go with it and create a space where I am at a happy place and be myself. An escape from reality. It is an opportunity to experience someone different. Theater is always about experience, and it is amazing.
What moment made you want to get into performing?
I started performing at nine years old with FFP (Fulton Theatrical Productions at FMCC) under my first director Roberta Esposito. In the third show she directed, “A Seussical,” I remember that role made me love being on stage to sing, act, and dance. At that point, my mom saw this passion developing for me and I started making that my sport. I started acting and attending advanced musical theater camps. My favorite was the Collaborative School of the Arts hosted by Proctors Theatre. I was able to interact with professional actors who would provide guidance and development and it made an impact on my early days of performing.
What do you hope attendees take from this year’s production of “Mary Poppins Jr.?”
Mary Poppins is all about making everything possible, even the impossible. Anything can happen if you let it. If you want to do something, go for it. It is your passion.
Get your tickets to the upcoming FF Theatrical Co. production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” Want to get a great seat? Order ahead of time for reserved seating! This year’s production runs from March 22-24. Stay tuned for news and happenings with this year’s production, and get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3IkssZ4