Meet Patrick Tierney, Starring as Mr. Banks in “Mary Poppins”

PatrickTierney

 

Q1: Tell us about your first memory of seeing Mary Poppins.

I remember watching the movie quite a bit as a kid. I was obsessed with the “Spoon Full of Sugar” scene. I saw it for the first time on stage about a year and a half ago and absolutely was crying by the end. It’s a beautiful story.

 

Q2: What role do you play in Mary Poppins?

I play Mr. Banks. A role, I will admit, I didn’t quite feel right for at first. But after day one of blocking rehearsals, I thought “Oh I can absolutely do this!”. He is more stoic and reserved than I tend to be, so it has been fun tapping into a side of myself I rarely get to explore onstage.

 

Q3: What’s been the best part of returning to Charleston to perform?

Definitely working with friends and colleagues at Charleston Stage for the first time since I was a Resident Actor 8 years ago! This fun and trusting environment is just as I remember it!

 

Q4: Where are you from?

I grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago and have been living in my own apartment on the Northside for 7 years. It is an incredible theatre town and I’m very proud to be living there as a working actor! And equally proud to be back in Charleston for these couple months.

 

Q5: What drew you to theatre and performing?

I saw Maury Yeston’s version of Phantom when I was 7 at the old Candlelight Dinner Playhouse on the Southside of Chicago. Ever since then- I’ve been hooked!

 

Q6: What was your theatre training?

I went to Western Illinois University and received my BFA in Musical Theatre. Right after that I was in Charleston for 10 months as a Resident Actor. I’ve always wanted to come back and work for Charleston Stage again, so this has been a dream!

 

Q7: What were some of your favorite roles you performed with Charleston Stage when you were a Resident Actor?

To this day Tick, Tick…Boom! And A Year with Frog and Toad with Charleston Stage remain two of my favorite theatrical experiences. They were perfect. And incredibly rewarding.

 

Q8: Do you get to fly in Mary Poppins?

I don’t get to fly! Unfortunately. Now THAT would be a dream.

 

Charleston Stage’s “Mary Poppins” runs April 8 – May 1, 2016, at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, call (843) 577-7183 or purchase online by clicking here.

 

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Featured Center Left: Guest Actor Patrick Tierney as Mr. Banks.
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Featured Left: Guest Actor Patrick Tierney as Mr. Banks.