On March 14, Arts for All took the stage at Franklin Park Arts Center, putting on an unforgettable show for the community. Featuring songs such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Let’s go Fly a Kite,” Arts for All put on a production of the musical “Mary Poppins Jr.” Starring in the musical was Woodgrove’s very own, junior Lily Lins. Lins reflected her musical talents as the lead, Mary Poppins, singing her way through the show. Arts for All gives the opportunity for individuals with and without disabilities to experience the enjoyment of the arts. Founded in 1989 as Very Special Arts, Arts for All continues to flourish 35 years after its debut. Putting on many productions such as “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” and “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” to name a few, Arts for All continues to make the arts a place for everyone.
The Disney musical “Mary Poppins” is most well known for its ability to create an animated environment through various dance and musical numbers. When Arts for All took the stage on March 14, the audience was able to view various ensemble performances, combining both actors and actresses with and without disabilities. The cast’s effort put in every week during rehearsal all reflected through their performance. The 19 scenes performed truly represented to the community that the arts is a place for all.
Junior Lily Lins has been involved in Arts for All for nine years. Featured in shows such as “Tarzan Jr.,” “Seussical Jr.,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr.,” “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” “Wizard of Oz Jr.,” and now “Mary Poppins Jr.,” Lins continues to be a part of the Arts for All community. “I enjoy being a part of the family and the community and working with people of all ages,” Lins expressed. Along with Lins, junior Olivia Cianciaruso is also a vital member of the Arts for All community. Cianciaruso made her debut in Arts for All three years ago, starring in last year’s production as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” Cianciaruso explained, “I am able to learn more about myself through the experience.” The program of Arts for All does not only highlight opportunities for individuals to perform, but it also provides volunteer opportunities. Freshman Mariah Conrad is a student volunteer who has made the transition from performing on stage to now putting her efforts towards the actions behind the scenes. Conrad explained that she has “an interest in working with kids with special needs” when expressing why she continues to be a part of the program.
The director of this flourishing program is none other than Amanda Barr. Barr has been a part of this program for over 20 years. Joining the program at the age of eight and working both on and off stage throughout her childhood, Barr made a reappearance after college, taking over the director role. Barr has been the director of the Arts for All program for four years.
One of the highlights of Arts for All is the program’s ability to combine both neurotypical and special needs individuals in the arts. Barr explained, “I treat everybody the same, and I don’t look at their disability. I look at what they are able to do.” Barr is able to combine both groups of individuals through this mindset. Barr described the arts as “therapeutic,” as they were a vital part of her own childhood. Barr explained how she values “giving everyone an opportunity to do something that they wouldn’t normally get to do” as a very rewarding part of Arts for All.
The performers within the production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” truly reflect the opportunity present within the Arts for All program. Arts for All highlights the importance of inclusivity within the community. As said by Cianciaruso, “Being in the audience is an experience unlike any other, because you can truly feel the love reflected off the stage.” The production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” gave all actors the opportunity to perform on stage and allowed the true beauty of the arts to be reflected to all.