President Obama presented Petry with the Medal of Honor July 12, making him the only the second living recipient since Vietnam. In 2008, wounded and under enemy fire in Afghanistan, Petry saved two fellow soldiers by tossing away an enemy grenade that landed nearby. He lost his own right hand in the process.
Following the performance of Mary Poppins, Petry was invited onstage to an appreciative roar from the matinee audience:
The Broadway production of Mary Poppins officially opened Nov. 16, 2006, recouping its initial Broadway investment within 52 weeks of its premiere. It is the only show from the 2006-2007 theatrical season still running.
The cast is currently headed by Ashley Brown in the title role and Gavin Lee as Bert. (Laura Michelle Kelly returns to the title role July 19.)
The company also features Karl Kenzler as George Banks, Megan Osterhaus as Winifred Banks, Valerie Boyle as Mrs. Brill, Ann Arvia as Bird Woman, Shua Potter as Robertson Ay, Ruth Gottschall as Miss Andrew and Ed Dixon as Admiral Boom. Alternating in the role of Jane Banks are Rozi Baker, Brigid Harrington and Kara Oates; alternating in the role of Michael Banks are Lewis Grosso, David Gabriel Lerner and Anthony Scarpone-Lambert.
Richard Eyre directs Mary Poppins, which features choreography and co-direction by Matthew Bourne and boasts original songs from the film — with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman — as well as new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Julian Fellowes wrote the book.
For tickets visit DisneyonBroadway. The New Amsterdam is located at 214 West 42nd Street.
