May 19, 2015
Poppins People Post
Tony Bohannon
"Mr. George Banks"

Mary Poppins will mark by 20th year being a part of the Market House Theater. I was talking with Victoria Parrish about what would my life be like if I had never auditioned for South Pacific and joined the MHT family. 

I have always been somewhat of an introvert. I've never been one to be the center of attention at parties or gatherings. I've been a great audience for people much more clever and funny than I am. So when I walked into auditions for South Pacific, I was quite nervous. I was fairly confident in my singing but since I had never been in a play—well, not since a 5th grade school play— I really didn't know what to expect. Within seconds of sitting down, Al Knudsen sat next to me and introduced himself and made me immediately feel welcomed and at ease. I continued to make close friends through the years and they have also included my wife, Tammy, and my boys Alex and Lucas into the fold. It's an honor to be part of the MHT family. 

Stephanie Hinz (Mrs. Winifred Banks),
Lucas Bohannon (Michael Banks) and
Tony Bohannon (Mr. George Banks) rehearse
a scene from Mary Poppins

Every play and musical I've been in has given me a new challenge. Even though I'm an introvert, being on stage allowed me to play characters that were completely different from myself and through that, it has given me more confidence in myself. 

I now get to pass that on to my son Lucas. It started with Cinderella Enchanted, then Les Misérables, and now with Mary Poppins. I am seeing him blossom in front of my eyes and gain the same confidence that I didn't find until I was an adult. Playing his father in Mary Poppins has been especially interesting. There's the challenge of staying focused on my own part and allowing him take ownership of his own role and responsibilities. I must admit, some of the emotions George Banks shows come naturally as I just draw on the experience of raising two sons—from the frustration and exhaustion to the tender moments of singing "Feed the Birds" to my boys as a lullaby. Mary Poppins has been a great experience for so many reasons and I will always cherish it.

My life as well as the life of my family is so much richer for being a part of the Market House Theater.