Unveiling the Creative Genius Behind the Mary Poppins Revival at Orange County's Rose Center Theater

In the Orange County Performing Arts world, theater enthusiasts and musical aficionados are in for an jolly holiday treat. The stage is being set, the curtains are about to rise, and the spotlight will soon be ready to shine on the revival of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins at the Rose Center Theater. Gather your friends and family and journey through the heart of Broadway and the magic of Musical Theater with the Rose!

With its rich history and unwavering commitment to the arts, the Rose Center Theater prides itself on its awe-inspiring performances. The upcoming revival of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins is no exception. To give you a glimpse into the magic that's about to unfold, let's introduce the brilliant creative team behind the Rose Center Thater's production of this Broadway sensation.

Tim Nelson (Director/Musical Director)

Tim Nelson is the guiding force behind this mesmerizing production. As the Managing Artistic Director for the Rose Center Theater since its opening in 2006, Tim is no stranger to the magic of live theater. With degrees in both vocal and instrumental music, he's a versatile artist who has directed, conducted, written, and performed in over 300 productions, spanning from California to New York.

What has us most excited about Tim's involvement in this project is his wealth of experience and dedication. Having been a resident Managing Artistic Director of three different production companies, including New York's Park Playhouse, Inc., Litchfield Community Theater in Minnesota, and right here at the Rose Center Theater, his expertise in bringing stories to life is unparalleled.

Tim's role extends far beyond direction; he's a composer too. His original musical shows and recordings, such as the Musical Drama "Bright Blue Sky," have left audiences spellbound. He even compiled the musical hits from all his creations into the Musical Review "TOGETHER," showcasing the talents of artists from across the country. You can even catch the future stars of tomorrow, the Rose Kids, performing his new musical The Wonderful Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Friends November 10-19, 2023.

Tim's passion doesn't stop there. He is the current Musical Theater Chair at Huntington Beach High School’s Academy for the Performing Arts, leading their award-winning Musical Theater Department. His commitment to nurturing young talent underscores his belief that "Quality in the Arts is the cornerstone for Quality of Life."

Jennifer Matthews (Choreographer)

Jennifer Matthews is another force to be reckoned with in the world of choreography. Her journey, from performing roles in various productions to choreographing them, showcases her passion and commitment to the art. Having performed at Disneyland, and in community and dinner theater productions in roles like Joan in "Dames at Sea" and Liesel in "The Sound Of Music," Jennifer brings a performer's heart to her choreography. She's even choreographed for several parks and recreation programs, private dance schools, local schools, civic, and dinner theaters throughout Southern California and Albany, New.York.

What excites us most about Jennifer's involvement is her ability to fuse her performing experience with her choreographic talent. As she takes the reins of choreography in Mary Poppins, her dance moves promise to be not just technically proficient but emotionally resonant. Jennifer is currently teaching Musical Academy for the Performing Arts, ensuring that her legacy in the arts continues to thrive.

Diane Makas (Choreographer)

Diane Makas is no stranger to the arts. With a reputation as one of the finest arts administrators in the country, she recently retired after an impressive 20 years at the helm of the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School. During her tenure, she transformed a struggling arts school of just 80 students into a 500-plus student magnet academy encompassing all aspects of the arts.

What has us excited about Diane is her dynamic approach to the arts. Her academic journey is as eclectic as her career, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Dance, and Chemistry, and a Master's degree from Western Michigan University. As a choreographer for Mary Poppins, Diane's expertise promises to bring a unique dimension to the performance. Her passion for the arts and her impressive track record in arts education make her an invaluable asset to this production.

Chris Caputo (Technical Director)

When the stage lights dim and the world of Mary Poppins comes to life, it's thanks in part to the vision of Chris Caputo. With a BFA Degree in Theater Arts from UC Irvine, Chris's expertise in theatrical design is unrivaled. He has designed sets, lighting, and projections for over 250 shows in the past 30+ years, with most of these remarkable productions occurring in the past 13 years.

What has us thrilled about Chris's involvement is his sheer breadth of experience. As the Resident Technical Director for the Rose Center Theater, he knows this stage inside and out. But his creative touch extends beyond these walls. Chris is also a freelance designer and Technical Director through his company Legacy Theatrical Design, which designs for various theater companies in Southern California and New York.

His portfolio is a testament to his artistic prowess, having worked with renowned theater companies like The Laguna Playhouse, Saddleback Civic Light Opera, The Covina Valley Playhouse, and more. Some of his favorite designs include "Beauty and the Beast," "Sweeney Todd," and "The Sound of Music." When you watch the magic unfold on stage, remember that Chris's touch is what makes it all possible. He's the one turning Tim's artistic vision into a beautiful reality.

Get tickets for the must-see live theater event this holiday season!

The revival of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins promises to be a magical experience, and the creative team behind it is nothing short of spectacular. As the curtain rises and the music swells, you can rest assured that Tim Nelson's artistic vision, Chris Caputo's technical expertise, Diane Makas and Jennifer Matthews' choreography will transport you to the world of Mary Poppins.

The Orange County Performing Arts scene is about to come alive this holiday season with the enchantment of Broadway. So, mark your calendars and get ready to be spellbound by the magic of Musical Theater at the Rose Center Theater.

MARY POPPINS at the Rose Center Theater

December 1-3 and 14-17, 2023

2:00 PM Matinee Performances: December 3 and 17

7:30 PM Evening Performances: December 1, 2, 14, 15, and 16

For tickets and further information visit rosecentertheater.com/disney-mary-poppins.

Special Offers and Contact Information

The Rose Center Theater offers discounted rates for groups of 14+ and for our military & first responder patrons. For more information about our theater events or the venue in Orange County, contact our box office at RoseCTBoxOffice@gmail.com or leave a message at 714-793-1150 ext. 1.

Tags: theater events, orange county performing arts, live theater productions near me, OC Performing Arts, Performing Arts Venue, Rose Center Theater, Broadway, Musical Theater.