Another opening, another show … but at Washington High School, it isn’t just any show.

The curtain goes up tonight on a favorite WHS tradition, the spring musical. The production also happens to be perhaps the largest show the school’s drama students have staged in years, according to art teacher Penny Paul, who serves as stage director for “Mary Poppins.”

“This is probably the biggest undertaking we’ve done without the help of Janet Cox, Joyce Harris and Don Miller,” Paul said, referring to three individuals who guided casts in shows as choreographer, director and scenery designer over the years.

The cast and crew have spent the past two months preparing for the show, which opens tonight beginning at 7 p.m. in the WHS performing arts center. The musical will also be presented Saturday at 7 p.m. and again Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the box office, which opens 30 minutes before show time.

Connor Smith, vocalist and guitarist with the local teen band sensation K-OS, portrays Bert, a role made famous by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 Walt Disney movie.

“I like to sing, and I had to sing to get this role,” said Smith, a WHS sophomore. “They thing that took the most time for me was the Cockney accent. I watched a lot of Doctor Who and Harry Potter.”

Smith also prepared for his role by watching Van Dyke in the role, which he enjoyed.

“It was a Disney musical, and Disney is always going to be fun,” Smith said.

Freshman Mary Grace Wilder is taking on the challenge of playing multiple roles, from Miss Lark to a statue of Queen Victoria in a park scene. She estimated she has at least six total costume changes in the course of the show.

“It’s been great,” Wilder said of the opportunity to be a part of the WHS production. “It’s been fun to play so many roles, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone.”

Wilder said signing on for the musical turned out to be a learning experience.

“It’s been a challenge to learn all the songs, and I’ve learned how important it is to memorize all your lines.”

Paul praised musical director Michael Blackmon for his tireless efforts in staging the show.

“He has done a super job with the music,” she said. “It’s just all coming together. This last week is always frantic, there’s that nervous excitement.”

Paul also thanked the parents of the cast and crew for their support.

“Melinda Arnold headed up making sure the kids have dinner every night this week, and all the parents have come together and provided food under her leadership,” she said. “The parents have been great. They’ve gone to the Salvation Army, they’ve gone to Goodwill to make sure the kids have what they need for their costumes.”