CARMEL — “Mary Poppins” arrived at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater as a musical production opening Pacific Repertory Company’s 2022 season.

This production ranks among the most ambitious ever staged at the 112-year-old theatre, with giant movable sets and aerial performances by flying actors made possible by the 40-by-20-foot truss and tower rig supporting the aerial maneuvers. Our heroine descends, umbrella held high, floating onto center stage in the person of Malinda DeRouen, whose portrayal of the beloved nanny is as “practically perfect” as Poppins herself. She’s an impressive presence with a gorgeous voice and confident charm.

Los Angeles Actors’ Equity member Corey Wright, in the role of Bert the chimney sweep, also nears perfection, a model of charisma and physical suppleness bursting with musical theater talent. DeRouen and Wright make an ideal and enchanting pair in these roles.

The play is directed and choreographed by Lara Devlin with vocal direction by Janice Marotta-Perl.

Devlin has fashioned a Forest Theater masterpiece guiding the 50-member cast and crew in a vibrant, fast-paced production with terrific acting, singing and dancing by the principals and the ensemble. This adaptation of the children’s stories by PL Travers and the 1964 Disney film featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke containing classic songs such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” New songs and additional music and lyrics have been added to this stage version co-created by Disney and Cameron Macintosh. Dialogue by Oscar-winning Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes adds more panache to the musical.

The ensemble includes outstanding portrayals by Rob Devlin and Chrissy Brooks as George and Winifred Banks, whose misbehaving children, Michael and Jane, require the services of the nanny extraordinaire. Bright young actors Heidi Witten-Forsythe, Zoe Ushakoff, Caden Devlin and Daisy Pearl Ashby alternate performances as Michael and Jane. D. Scott McQuiston and Bri Slama amuse as the Banks family servants and Lyla Englehorn aces the terrifying Miss Andrews, the nanny, who sings the new number “Brimstone and Treacle” with searing effect. Katharine Andrade White sings the poignant “Bird Woman” song with DeRouen. James Brady makes a dandy gruff bank chairman, George Banks’ boss.

Patrick McEvoy’s impressive sets on wheels weave in and out of the story’s locations: rooms in the Banks’ residence, London streets and parks, Bert’s rooftops and George’s bank establishment. Numerous special effects add more scenic delight, among them Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag out of which she draws a hat rack, a cup of tea, her umbrella and other unexpected items.

From attire changes of the ineffable Mary Poppins to the garb of park statues coming to life, the townsfolk, chimney sweeps, the Banks family and more, Ziona Goren’s costume designs add flair and fun to the show. Lighting designer Derek Duarte benefitted from the tower rig, to which he added banks of lights that deftly enhanced the visual elements as the story evolved. Tony Nocita’s sound design provided smooth orchestral accompaniment for the soloists and chorus, though some spoken dialogue was lost, particularly from the young actors.

“Mary Poppins” at the Forest Theater is a lovely outdoor setting. The show plays Thursdays through Sundays through Sept. 18. For tickets and information call 831-622-0100 or see www.pacrep.org for further information.

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CARMEL — “Mary Poppins” arrived at Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theater as a musical production opening Pacific Repertory Company’s 2022 season.

This production ranks among the most ambitious ever staged at the 112-year-old theatre, with giant movable sets and aerial performances by flying actors made possible by the 40-by-20-foot truss and tower rig supporting the aerial maneuvers. Our heroine descends, umbrella held high, floating onto center stage in the person of Malinda DeRouen, whose portrayal of the beloved nanny is as “practically perfect” as Poppins herself. She’s an impressive presence with a gorgeous voice and confident charm.

Los Angeles Actors’ Equity member Corey Wright, in the role of Bert the chimney sweep, also nears perfection, a model of charisma and physical suppleness bursting with musical theater talent. DeRouen and Wright make an ideal and enchanting pair in these roles.

The play is directed and choreographed by Lara Devlin with vocal direction by Janice Marotta-Perl.

Devlin has fashioned a Forest Theater masterpiece guiding the 50-member cast and crew in a vibrant, fast-paced production with terrific acting, singing and dancing by the principals and the ensemble. This adaptation of the children’s stories by PL Travers and the 1964 Disney film featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke containing classic songs such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” New songs and additional music and lyrics have been added to this stage version co-created by Disney and Cameron Macintosh. Dialogue by Oscar-winning Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes adds more panache to the musical.

The ensemble includes outstanding portrayals by Rob Devlin and Chrissy Brooks as George and Winifred Banks, whose misbehaving children, Michael and Jane, require the services of the nanny extraordinaire. Bright young actors Heidi Witten-Forsythe, Zoe Ushakoff, Caden Devlin and Daisy Pearl Ashby alternate performances as Michael and Jane. D. Scott McQuiston and Bri Slama amuse as the Banks family servants and Lyla Englehorn aces the terrifying Miss Andrews, the nanny, who sings the new number “Brimstone and Treacle” with searing effect. Katharine Andrade White sings the poignant “Bird Woman” song with DeRouen. James Brady makes a dandy gruff bank chairman, George Banks’ boss.

Patrick McEvoy’s impressive sets on wheels weave in and out of the story’s locations: rooms in the Banks’ residence, London streets and parks, Bert’s rooftops and George’s bank establishment. Numerous special effects add more scenic delight, among them Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag out of which she draws a hat rack, a cup of tea, her umbrella and other unexpected items.

From attire changes of the ineffable Mary Poppins to the garb of park statues coming to life, the townsfolk, chimney sweeps, the Banks family and more, Ziona Goren’s costume designs add flair and fun to the show. Lighting designer Derek Duarte benefitted from the tower rig, to which he added banks of lights that deftly enhanced the visual elements as the story evolved. Tony Nocita’s sound design provided smooth orchestral accompaniment for the soloists and chorus, though some spoken dialogue was lost, particularly from the young actors.

“Mary Poppins” at the Forest Theater is a lovely outdoor setting. The show plays Thursdays through Sundays through Sept. 18. For tickets and information call 831-622-0100 or see www.pacrep.org for further information.

The post ‘Mary Poppins’ has profitable touchdown in Carmel – Monterey Herald appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Landing, a company building a nationwide network of fully furnished apartments for members of its member model, plans to move its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham, where it will add 816 new full-time jobs, accelerating growth plans.

Landing’s move is made possible through a partnership with the state of Alabama, Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham. The hiring boom will bring Landing’s total workforce to 900 and the company’s total workforce to over 1,000 nationwide over several years.

“Landing is a fast growing company with an innovative business model and we are very excited to have its headquarters in Alabama,” said Governor Ivey. “This is great news for Birmingham and for the state as a whole, as it shows we have the workforce and skills needed to be an innovative company breaking new ground.”

Today’s announcement comes after a landmark year for Landing, which has seen a surge in flexible living demand that has fueled its rapid expansion across the country. Last year, the company saw 1,250% year-over-year growth, growing from just nine cities in early 2020 to over 80 today, with the number expected to be more than 100 by the end of the year.

“As a native of Birmingham, relocating our headquarters and expanding our team in Alabama was a natural transition,” said Bill Smith, Founder and CEO of Landing. “I am excited about the opportunity to continue growing Landing and offer my community new jobs and economic opportunities. As we expand across the country, we will be committed to the vibrant cities in which we operate and will strive to have a positive impact on all of Landing’s communities. “

Smith had previously started Shipt, an app-based delivery service that grew rapidly and was replaced by Target Corp. in 2017. was acquired.

With roots in Birmingham, Landing’s move demonstrates the company’s commitment to Alabama – which brings new business opportunities and jobs to the area. The economic impact of Landing’s growth is expected to be significant.

An analysis by the Alabama Department of Commerce estimates the financial benefits of Landing’s move and expansion project over 20 years:

• New total wage bill: $ 1.3 billion
• Total new state revenue: $ 112 million
• Return on investment to the state: 356%

“Bill Smith is a rock star in Alabama’s innovation economy through his experience with Shipt, and Landing represents an exciting new chapter in a business career that has already resulted in massive success,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The company is off to a good start and Birmingham will provide a solid platform for its growth plans as it shakes up the real estate industry.”

Landing takes advantage of an apartment rental industry that has long been ripe for innovation – more flexibility, convenience and guaranteed quality. Landing offers tenants a more flexible living experience, giving its members the freedom to move around as often as they want without the hassle of strict rental agreements, prepayments for deposits, setting up utilities, or moving furniture.

After the surge in teleworking and the desire for a more flexible life last year, Smith scaled the company to meet exponential demand, increasing Landing’s network of available homes from 500 in early 2020 to more than 10,000 today.

As part of an economic incentive package to recruit Landing to relocate its headquarters, the state of Alabama has pledged funding through the Alabama Jobs Act and training services through AIDT, the state’s premier human resource development agency that provides assistance with recruiting, talent development, and more – On-the-job training.

Pending approval by Birmingham City Council, the City of Birmingham has provided funding through its Talent Investment Program (TIP), Talent Acceleration Program (TAP) and Talent Optimization Program (TOP) – professional development programs, local talent recruitment programs, and attracting talent in difficult-to-recruit professions. Jefferson County has funded new job creation pending approval by the Jefferson County Commission.

“Landing’s arrival couldn’t be a better time,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “As our city continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the new jobs and income Landing will bring to our community will fuel our recovery efforts. The financial incentive we are offering, subject to city council approval, will help recruit and train our citizens for the more than 800 new jobs, and the proceeds from the project will fund the city’s schools and infrastructure. “

“In Jefferson County’s expanding technology ecosystem, we are delighted that Landing has decided to relocate its headquarters to our region,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons, chairman of the county Commission’s Economic Development Committee. “This is just one more example of how we can work together towards common goals and improve access to high-quality jobs at above-average wages. We are happy to have Landing as a community partner and look forward to its further growth. “

Landing’s new headquarters will be located in downtown Birmingham in the John Hand Building. Individuals interested in joining the landing team can visit: www.hellolanding.com/jobs.

“Moving our headquarters from Landing to Birmingham speaks volumes about the quality of talent and support services in the area and our ability to continue to attract and grow technology companies in Alabama. This will undoubtedly be one of the largest headquarters relocations in the US this year and we are incredibly grateful to Bill Smith and the Landing leadership team for their faith and trust in Birmingham, ”said Ron Kitchens, Chief Executive Officer of the Birmingham Business Alliance .

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