'Mary Poppins' pops records at Southeast

Southeast's recent production of "Mary Poppins" took the box office by storm, becoming the best-selling musical in the history of the theatre and dance department.

"I was surprised at how successful it was, but I'm not surprised it was very successful," director Kenn Stilson said. "[Mary Poppins] is the highest-grossing musical that we have ever produced in the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance. It's even the highest-grossing show that has ever come through the River Campus."

According to Stilson and cast members, the fact "Mary Poppins" is widely known and associated with Disney had a great influence on its success.

Additionally, Stilson noted cultural climate as a factor.

"Part of it is that we're surrounded by so much negativity right now," Stilson said. "Sometimes you just need escapism, and sometimes you just need Mary Poppins."

Malachi Marrero performs as a statue during the final dress rehearsal of SEMO's Conservatory of Theatre and Dance's Mary Poppins on Feb. 20.Kassi Jackson

"Mary Poppins" sold 4,552 tickets over six shows, outselling the previous best-selling show, "Grease," in 2012, by more than 200 tickets.

Stilson, who is also the Conservatory chair, described the program as driven by the box office while still pursuing the mission of preparing students for professional work in the field of theatre. Stilson said he hopes this show will continue building an audience for other shows produced by the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance.

"What happens when the football team starts winning is they sell more tickets," Stilson said. "Well, this is a winning streak."