Mark Gionfriddo Makes “Mary Poppins” Sing
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA
August 13 - 23, 2015
by Shera Cohen
“Mary Poppins” kicks up her heels, flies through the sky,
and brings joy to the Banks’ family in Berkshire Theatre Group’s 10th Annual
Community Theatre production, to take place on the stage of the Colonial
Theatre.
This community event brings together children and adults who
have learned from each other all in the midst of collaboration and creativity.
One of the creative leaders of this production is musical conductor Mark
Gionfriddo.
Mark Gionfriddo, a native of Holyoke, is well known as an
accomplished pianist, accompanist, composer, arranger, and musical director.
He started piano studies at the age of four, began
performing at six, and directed his first musical project at 12. Mark received
his Bachelor's Degree in Piano from Skidmore College and Masters Degree in
Accompanying from UMASS/Amherst. He has been based at Mount Holyoke College
since 1986 where he is a Senior Instructor in Jazz Piano, Director and Founder
of the Mount Holyoke College Jazz Ensemble, and Music Department Staff
Accompanist.
In the Spotlight spoke to Mark about his latest project --
“Mary Poppins.”
Spotlight: Why do you enjoy working on "Mary
Poppins"?
Mark: I loved the film as a kid growing up, and it's fun to
recreate that film live on stage. It's also the annual Community Show here, so
I get to work with young kids, teenagers, college apprentices, and adults -- an
unusual opportunity to create a multi-generational performance piece.
Spotlight: Tell us about rehearsals.
Mark: We start with a vocal and dance warmup, then I might
teach a song, and my directing colleagues will choreograph or stage it. After
several weeks and the end of the rehearsal process, we do full run through
every night. We have been doing runs for a few weeks now. It's amazing to see
the growth over time.
Spotlight: Is “Mary” a musical just for kids?
Mark: One would think so, but there's something in it for
everyone. After all, at the bare bones, it's about a family that has lost its
way. Mary teaches the adults to learn how to have fun, and the children how to
behave more responsibly. And the song "Feed The Birds" is at the
heart of the show: a plea for charity towards animals and other humans.
Spotlight: What is the most difficult song? Easiest?
Mark: Playing “The Game” is very difficult and can be
vocally throaty. It's also quite the scary number -- the toys revolt after
being treated badly. The easiest song, I think, is Supercalifragilistic...
although the 'sign language' that the actors do is pretty intense.
Spotlight: Who makes up your band?
Mark: The band is a combo of professionals and teachers. We
have a few members who have been in almost every community musical since they
began. And we have a few newbies who are joining us for the first time.
Spotlight: How did you get started in this work?
Mark: I've always enjoyed 'show playing' (I had an affinity
for playing musical scores) and learned how to do it myself, with no real
mentors. Musical theatre is not as far removed from solo or choral singing as
one might think. I've been fortunate to work in many genres -- I began with
classical music, then branched out to jazz piano.
Spotlight: What is your day job? Is it music?
Mark: It is my day job! I consider myself pretty lucky.
Spotlight: Any thoughts about the rehearsal process that are
important?
Mark: The only wisdom I'd like to offer is that the
rehearsal process will go smoothly if everyone allows themselves to make
mistakes. It's important to try things and take a chance. Great things will
happen if one does this.
For information about “Mary Poppins,” check
www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.
