YES Company flies with its ‘Mary Poppins’

While it takes considerably more than a spoonful of sugar to get “Mary Poppins” off the ground, a little sweetness never hurt.

The Youth Entertainment Stage Company (YES Company for short) brings everyone’s favorite nanny to life as part of its long-running summer program. The musical opens Friday, July 17, at the Gallo Center for the Arts and runs for seven shows, closing July 26.

With a cast of nearly 90 students from across Stanislaus County and a stage crew of 10, the program promises to be the largest of the regional productions. The show has been produced already this year by Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora and Modesto Christian Performing Arts.

YES Company founding artistic director Melanee Wyatt said the county-wide production features students from about 45 schools in the region.

“What sets us apart is we have a wonderfully large and diverse cast,” Wyatt said. “It’s more than just a drama production, it’s a whole program.”

Now in its 24th season, YES Company is run through the Stanislaus County Office of Education and brings together area middle and high school students to learn about the performing arts and put on a summer production. An additional winter show highlights the program’s younger students in its YES Kids and YES Kidettes programs. Students learn all aspects of production, on stage and behind the scenes.

“You learn not only professional skills in the arts but lifelong lessons in leadership and stage presence and working together,” said 17-year-old Enochs student Natalie Giannosa, who plays Mary Poppins. “These are skills you can use throughout life.”

Students in this production are a mix of returning veterans and newcomers, as well as some Yes Kids and Kidettes. The program offers a focused introduction to the arts, including seminars this summer by homegrown stars like Emily Kay Shrader, who was in the national tour of “Sister Act” earlier this year, and Broadway actress Morgan James.

The program also teaches students how to work with people of different backgrounds and ages. Rehearsals began for the whole cast at the start of June, Tuesday through Saturday each week.

“In school productions you’re with people you probably know who are your age,” said 18-year-old Beyer High student Stefanie Menera, who plays Mrs. Corry. “But with YES Company it’s a big melting pot of people you don’t know. You learn to communicate and work together. Whether you’ve been with the company two years or 10 years, we all start with a blank slate each summer. You learn new things every single show.”

“Mary Poppins” will be the fourth production YES Company has done that includes high-wire flying scenes. The others were “The Wizard of Oz,” “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” and last summer’s “Peter Pan.”

The show will mark 15-year-old Downey student Sam Gerber’s third time on the high wires. He previously flew in “Willy Wonka” and “Peter Pan.”

“All three have been different flying experiences,” said Gerber, who plays chimney sweep Bert. “I’ve flown in different ways. So it’s not just the same over and over.”

Flying, the cast members said, adds to the magic of the show. The musical version delves deeper into Banks familys life and author P.L. Travers’ books. Still the undeniable sweetness of the story of a father who gets help reconnecting with his family shines through.

“When you come to see the show, try to leave all of your troubles and preoccupying thoughts at the doors,” said 18-year-old Big Valley Christian student Bailey Dokoozlian. “Be ready to share in the love and everything YES Company always puts into their shows. The audience should feel like they’re part of the Banks family.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 3:52 PM with the headline "YES Company flies with its ‘Mary Poppins’."