Kari Croop is a freelance writer and editor — and mom to 2.5-year-old triplets Nora, Connor and Cameron — who works for Netflix and Common Sense Media. She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and began her career launching alumni publications at the Duke University School of Law and Georgia State University; she moved to Champaign with her husband, Andrew, in 2006. Kari will be playing the title role in the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “Mary Poppins,” which runs July 31-August 10 at the Parkland College Theatre. Tickets are available at www.cutc.org.
See why we think Kari is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: Why did you want to be Mary Poppins? How did you prepare?
KC: Theater used to be my main creative outlet before I was a mom, and the last show I did before becoming pregnant was “Into the Woods” with CUTC in 2011. After finding out I was having triplets though, I knew it would be a loooong time before I stepped onto a stage again. So, for me, auditioning for Mary Poppins was more of a mental exercise – something to stimulate my brain other than my normal routine of intense, full-time motherhood and the part-time work I do as a writer and editor.
I spent a lot of my “free time” preparing for auditions, actually, mostly because I enjoy the research process — total nerd here. I went to one of several free tap dance clinics they organized for those planning to audition, and I studied the music well in advance because I knew there were major differences between the Broadway show and the Disney movie, and that there was a particularly challenging operatic piece in addition to the songs we all know and love. In spite of all the work I put into my audition though, I honestly didn’t expect to get the part and remained in genuine shock for a day or two after I did. I thought, uh-oh … what have I done? And how am I going to do this? Ha. But with help from my husband, my parents and my friends, it’s working out surprisingly well. My parents actually drove up from Florida for the entirety of the run to help us with the kids, and it’s been a godsend.
Q: This is a family-friendly show but it is long, we hear. Are there certain ages that would be more appropriate for the production?
In rehearsals, our run time has hovered right around the 2 hour and 45 minute mark with a short intermission. But there’s so much to keep children engaged – from the iconic music to the fact that Mary is actually flying across the stage – that I think there’s universal appeal. The official Disney recommendation is for ages 6 and up, but younger children would absolutely enjoy it. Every child’s attention span is different, so I’d recommend basing your decision on what you think your child can handle. We’re definitely taking the Crooplets!
Q: Besides this one – what is your dream role on stage?
“Into the Woods” will always be my favorite show. I’ve already played Cinderella in it, but there are so many other great female roles – the Baker’s Wife, the Witch. The Beggar Woman in “Sweeney Todd” is on my bucket list, too. And I’m a little too young now but would love to tackle the role of Margaret someday in “The Light in the Piazza.” The music is gorgeous and operatic, and I have that experience since I studied voice with an opera singer.
Q: How are your children responding to you being Mary Poppins?
It’s funny; prior to me getting the role, my kids had never seen the movie and had only heard the song “Stay Awake,” which is the first lullaby I sang to them in the NICU. But the first time I showed it to them, they were kind of mesmerized. They love Jane and Michael, and they literally jump up and cheer when Mary Poppins flies in for the first time (“THERE SHE IS! YAYYY!”). I’m actually expecting a similar response when they see our show and I step onto the stage for the first time, so I’m going to try and keep a straight face and stay in character.
My daughter actually does a thing now where she hops into her little Cozy Coupe, puts on her sunglasses (upside down, of course) and says, “Bye! I going to go do Mary Poppins now. Be back!” And I just can’t imagine where she learned that …
Q: You are the mom of triplet toddlers – bless you. What tips do you have for new moms of multiples?
First, get yourself an Andy Croop, because I couldn’t do all that I do without him. We really are partners in this, and you just have to be. But barring that, I would say that you’ve got to approach it systematically — and I highly recommend keeping the babies on the same schedule from the start. They woke up every three hours to eat, play and sleep – all at the same time and all in that order – and we’d repeat it every three hours like clockwork. It was kind of like a little assembly line. I also kept a written log of how much they ate, what they did in their diapers, and whether or not we gave them any medicine for every single feeding because, if you don’t write it down, you’re so tired that you won’t remember otherwise.
Now that the kids are a little older, I finally got around to creating a Facebook group for local triplet parents so that we can connect, share resources, and plan meet-ups because when I was pregnant, I didn’t know anyone else in the immediate area who was going through a triplet pregnancy. We now have a small group of moms and dads who are raising triplets in a range of ages, and it feels really good to be connected. We’re adding people all the time.
Q: With that much chaos – what do you like to do to relax?
Right now, true relaxation doesn’t really exist. Between rehearsals, promotions and all my regular duties at home and at work, there’s just not time. But I do find myself savoring those 10-15 minute trips in the car on my way to and from rehearsal. I don’t listen to music, I don’t sing, I don’t make calls. I just enjoy the silence. And it’s pretty great.
Q: Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
Well, the big reveal is usually that I have triplets. But I guess the secret’s out.
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