Robert D. Marshall Jr. (A 1982)

2003 Alumni Achievement (Merit) Award

Bio

 The six-time Tony Award nominee began his career as a Broadway performer, choreographer and director before moving onto Hollywood. Marshall previously adapted “Annie” for television and “Chicago,” “Nine” and “Into the Woods” for the big screen. “Chicago” earned 13 Academy Award nominations in 2002 and garnered six Oscars, including one for Best Picture. The film also earned Marshall a Directors Guild of America Award and Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for Best Director.

Set in 1930s London, Marshall’s sequel to 1964’s “Mary Poppins” picks up the story of the Banks children, Michael and Jane as adults. Joining them are Michael’s children, Annabel, John and Georgie, who are trying to find the joy and wonder that’s missing in their lives following an immense personal loss. 

Marshall has had a love affair with musicals his entire life. In fact, the original “Mary Poppins” was the first film he remembers seeing as a child. Being entrusted by Disney and estate of P.L Travers, the notoriously particular author of the eight Mary Poppins books, to create a sequel with a fresh story and original music was a lifelong dream come true for Marshall.