By Hyung Seok LEE

CV Weekly intern

Disney’s new star in the “Mary Poppins” Broadway tour is La Crescenta’s own Carter Thomas.

Portraying the character of son Michael Banks, Thomas will be alternating his performance with Bryce Baldwin.

Thomas is devoted to his acting work and is considering acting as a possible career. However, being only 10 years old, no firm decision has yet been made.

Thomas is home schooled locally through the Verdugo Academy within the Glendale Unified School District which lends itself to students with varied schedules.

In trying out for this part, he flew to New York for a few days to audition. After his audition, he flew back home where he was called a few days later with an offer for a part in the production. Thomas signed a six month contract with Disney for his role as Michael Banks and the contract will end in early April. The tour started Nov. 13  at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles where it will remain until mid February when it will travel nationwide.

“It’s great that Carter can now stay home and act at the same time. He doesn’t have to be away from his family, so he will always have support around him,” said his mother Lynne.

In preparation for the role, Thomas practiced five days a week for five weeks until the end of September.

Thomas began his acting career at age 3 with a local production. From then on, he was involved in numerous productions such as the “The Rockettes,” “Oliver,” “South Pacific,” “Peter Pan” and “A Christmas Carol.” Thomas’s acting career has shifted from Glendale to San Gabriel, from California to New York.

Thomas admits that he has a good time performing.

“Every time I’m up on stage, it is a new experience. I really enjoy what I’m doing and like everything about it,” he said.

Though Thomas is committed to his acting career, he also flourishes in other aspects. And even with his academics and his acting career, he still finds time to spend quality time with his family. He is embraced by a supportive family every day.

“He has performed a lot. He is at his happiest when he is up there acting, and with that we’ll support him with what he wants to do,” Lynne said.

“Mary Poppins” continues at the Ahmanson Theatre until Feb. 7, 2010. The Ahmanson Theatre is located at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, 135 N. Grand Ave. For ticket information, call (213) 972-7231.