KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The magic of Mary Poppins drifted into the WKBK studios Saturday morning as cast members from the Keene Lions Club’s upcoming production stopped by My Keene Now and Next to talk music, flying on stage and why this show hits a little differently right now.

Appearing on the broadcast this past Saturday morning were Sally Regentine, who stars as Mary Poppins; Ty Nash, who plays Bert; and co-producer Gregg Kleiner. Sitting down with co-hosts Abbie Trombly and Nicole Colson, the trio offered a lively, behind-the-scenes look at the musical ahead of its opening next weekend at The Colonial Theatre.

For Regentine, stepping into the role of Mary Poppins is both thrilling and daunting.

“It’s kind of scary to portray such an iconic character,” she said, acknowledging the long shadow cast by Julie Andrews’ film performance. Still, she said the stage version has revealed new layers.

“I’ve learned more and more every rehearsal about her and about how this show affects me emotionally in really surprising ways.”

Nash, a Keene native and Keene State College theater graduate, described Bert as more than just the cheerful chimney sweep many audience members remember. “He’s kind of ominous in the best way,” Nash said with a laugh. “He’s always watching.”

He explained that in this production, Bert serves as a quiet guide, helping Mary Poppins steer the Banks family — and the audience — toward something better. “The main goal of Mary and Bert is to guide these families to the best possible version of themselves,” he said.

The two actors clearly enjoy working together. Regentine likened their characters’ relationship to something simple but essential. “If Mary is a kite, then Bert is the string,” she said. “He keeps her grounded.”

Kleiner said the version of Mary Poppins coming to Keene may surprise people who only know the movie. The stage musical pulls from multiple P.L. Travers books, not just the first one, and includes new songs and story elements. “You’ll see the songs you know and love,” he said, “but there are also things you don’t see in the movie that come straight from the books.”

The production is also breaking new ground for the Lions Club. For the first time, performers will actually fly on stage — something Kleiner said is both exciting and nerve-wracking. “This will be the first time that we’re flying,” he said. Regentine, who hadn’t yet tried the effect at the time of the interview, took it in stride. “I think once I do it the first time, I’ll be like, ‘Oh, that’s it,’” she said. “It’ll be fine.”

Like many Lions Club shows, rehearsals have been a true community effort. Kleiner said the cast has rehearsed everywhere from local churches to, most memorably, a car dealership showroom. “We cleared out the showroom of the cars,” he said. “Nothing to see here — just keep signing paperwork while we rehearse.”

Both Regentine and Nash said that sense of community is what keeps them coming back to Lions Club productions. “It’s as community as community theater can be,” Regentine said. “You’re surrounded by 80-plus incredibly talented people who just want to put their lives aside for a little while and do something special for the community.”

Nash agreed, adding that the Lions Club’s charitable mission gives the work extra meaning. “You know you’re doing it for the best cause,” he said. “We all kind of wear that on our chest when we go out there.”

At its heart, the group agreed, Mary Poppins is about love, family and holding onto light — even when things feel heavy. “It’s the show I think I need right now,” Regentine said. “It reminds you not to lose the light in the world, and to spread that light to others.”

Mary Poppins opens Friday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, with additional performances Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1 p.m. As of Saturday morning, Kleiner said the production was already more than 90 percent sold out — proof, perhaps, that a little magic goes a long way. Tickets: www.thecolonial.org

Listen to the full interview: