Simpson University Music Alumna Stars in ‘Mary Poppins’ at Cascade Theatre
For Immediate Release
04.21.2016
Photo by Betsey Walton / Mary Poppins (played by Simpson University graduate Kim Acuña ) enjoys some time with Bert (played by Shasta College student Blake Fisher).
REDDING, Calif. - A Simpson University music alumna has the starring role in a critically acclaimed production of “Mary Poppins” concluding this weekend at Redding’s Cascade Theatre.
Kim (Norden) Acuña graduated from Simpson University in 2006 with a B.A. in music with a voice emphasis. She has done numerous on-stage performances, including locally for companies the Redding Dance Project, North State Opera Company, Cascade Theatre Company, and Harris Studios.
Acuña works as a private vocal instructor with Harris Studios and house manager for the Cascade Theatre.
Mary Poppins is a dream role for her and the first time she’s been cast in the lead role in a musical, Acuña told the Redding Record Searchlight. “As soon as I heard we were doing the show, I knew I had to audition,” she told freelance journalist Jon Lewis.
The show, directed by Jana Pulcini-Leard, features a cast of more than 40 members. The excellent performances, set design, costumes and special effects have drawn enthusiastic praise from attendees.
Dr. Dan Pinkston, chair of Simpson’s Music Department, said the department is very proud of Acuña. “She was a great student and clearly used her education to develop her talent to a very high level,” he said. “She is one of many success stories from our music program.”
Acuña told the Record Searchlight she hopes the show delivers the message that family is more important than money. “I love that Mary Poppins never makes people do what they don’t want to do; she just opens the door for the family to let them see what they really need to see,” she said.
The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday (cast members will be available on stage for photos after matinees). Tickets cost $12 to $26 and can be purchased at cascadetheatre.org, or by calling 243-8877.
###
Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
