‘Poppins’ flies into SCT

Standing, waiting for the curtain to rise, Krystin Turlington begins to feel the butterflies in her stomach. Although she is a natural on the stage, the local theater enthusiast says the feeling of nervousness is never too far away on opening night.

“Opening night always makes me anxious,” she attests. “You never know who is in the audience that show and if it’s the first production they’ve ever seen.”

Turlington has spent the last 13 years on the stage, including the ones at Sampson Community Theater and Clinton and Hobbton high schools. In the upcoming production of “Mary Poppins,” the performer will be there again in the role of Katie Nanna, as well as serving as the understudy for the part of Valentine.

“I love getting on stage and singing my heart out,” Turlington said about her love for the theater. “I didn’t know until recently that I have a talent for singing and I truly enjoy sharing my talent with others.”

Sponsored by the Sampson County Arts Council, and directed by Linda Jewell-Carr, Mary Poppins will be performed at SCT Feb. 10-11 and 17-18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 11-12 and 18-19 at 3 p.m.

Hairspray, Cinderella’s Christmas Party and Seussical the Musical are just a few of the productions Turlington has had the pleasure of being part of through the years.

Like Turlington, James Darden is one of the 43 cast members in Carr’s upcoming production of the classic. The only difference in Darden and Turlington — this is the youngster’s first time on the stage.

Darden will play Michael Banks, one of the children under Mary Poppins’ care.

“It takes a lot of hard work,” Darden admits. “But, all the work is worth all the fun we are having while rehearsing.”

Cast members spend about eight hours a week going over lines and blocking scenes from the play. On Saturdays, rehearsal take up to six hours, but the cast and crew don’t seem to mind.

“Seeing how things progress from day one to the show closing is why I don’t mind working long hours on lines, choreography and lyrics,” Turlington said.

The young college student says that bringing joy to the people of Sampson County is what keeps her returning to the stage season after season.

“The people of Sampson and surrounding counties will always inspire me to keep auditioning for shows and giving my all when I’m on stage.”

Evander Pope and Reese Woodard rehearse the opening scene of ‘Mary Poppins’ at the Sampson Community Theater.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary1-1.jpgEvander Pope and Reese Woodard rehearse the opening scene of ‘Mary Poppins’ at the Sampson Community Theater.

The Banks children in the classical play, ‘Mary Poppins’, ran many nannies off before settling on the popular nanny.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary2-1.jpgThe Banks children in the classical play, ‘Mary Poppins’, ran many nannies off before settling on the popular nanny.

Hannah Byrd, who plays Mary Poppins, rehearses a scene with the Banks children, Evander Pope and Reese Woodard.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary3-1.jpgHannah Byrd, who plays Mary Poppins, rehearses a scene with the Banks children, Evander Pope and Reese Woodard.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary4-1.jpg

James Darden and Jewell Leanna Carr, who play the Banks children in one of the cast, rehearse a scene where they read the advertisement for a new nanny.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary5-1.jpgJames Darden and Jewell Leanna Carr, who play the Banks children in one of the cast, rehearse a scene where they read the advertisement for a new nanny.

Krystin Turlington, who is part of the adult ensemble, serves tea to Mary Poppins, played by Schuyler Floyd, and Bert, played by Carlin Odom.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary6-1.jpgKrystin Turlington, who is part of the adult ensemble, serves tea to Mary Poppins, played by Schuyler Floyd, and Bert, played by Carlin Odom.

The cast of ‘Mary Poppins’ rehearses a musical number during recent practice for the play, set to open Feb. 10.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary7-1.jpgThe cast of ‘Mary Poppins’ rehearses a musical number during recent practice for the play, set to open Feb. 10.

Cast members Marcelle Powell and Rodney Hall run a scene in the kitchen during dress rehearsals.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Mary8-1.jpgCast members Marcelle Powell and Rodney Hall run a scene in the kitchen during dress rehearsals.