Elyssia Finch: Feeding Her Soul and the Birds

The Bird Woman may only appear for a short time in Mary Poppins, but she delivers one of the musical’s most beautiful songs and a simple yet profound message. Through her gentle nature and the iconic “Feed the Birds,” she reminds us of the importance of kindness and care for others. She represents humanity at its core.

Bringing this memorable character to life on stage is Elyssia Finch, whose authentic, heartfelt performance adds warmth and emotion to a show filled with iconic music, rousing dance, and whimsy. A singer, actor, and multidisciplinary educator – Spanish, voice, and theatre for youth – she was last seen at the Omaha Community Playhouse in DISASTER!, a 70s throwback with groovy tunes and a campy storyline. The Bird Woman is a vast departure and offers new challenges to explore character, subtext, and backstory that’s important to the story, but goes unspoken in dialogue or lyrics.

Elyssia comes from a long line of creatives and the arts have held a place at the table for as long as she can remember. We welcomed the opportunity to visit with her about her portrayal of the Bird Woman, what she pulls from, and life when she’s not “feeding the birds.”

OCP: What drew you to Mary Poppins?

Elyssia Finch: I love the story of Mary Poppins. I feel like within the whimsical nature of the show and story, people sometimes miss the story of redemption, vulnerability, the effects of childhood trauma and the importance of family relationships.

The Bird Woman is a popular character with a gorgeous and iconic number. What’s your approach to this memorable character and how do you make her yours?

I believe that with the Bird Woman, it’s not truly the birds she’s talking about. She’s teaching us a lesson about humanity “Feeding the birds” is her saying take care of each other and look out for those who have nothing if you have something to spare. There is a tenderness about her, but also a sadness about her from watching people ignore the needs of humanity day by day. I love this about her.

You live a full and busy life away from the OCP stage. Tell us more about your world.

I do have a lot going on! During the year, I am a teacher at Northwest High School (Go Huskies!). I teach musical theatre at The Rose youth studios, and I am working on a project with my mother called Noalia: An Opera of Love. Sometimes everything clashes, but I make it work.

Elyssia and the cast of DISASTER!, Omaha Community Playhouse 2026.

How do you balance all of that and divide your energy and focus?

I try my best to make sure that each of the places I am involved in gets my undivided attention. I know at times I have to spend more time in one area, but I do make sure that I make priorities in each job that I’m involved in. I get tired sometimes, but I would rather do something I love and be tired than have a lot of time on my hands and not love my life.

 What’s your trick, as an actor, for stepping into character and leaving the rest of life behind? 

For characterization, I try to think of what the character’s world looks like. What are they doing every moment of each day? It helps me leave everything behind because my job is to help give the audience a glimpse into the life of the character, so they can see who this person is as a whole, not just one fleeting moment.

You come from a deeply rooted artistic and creative family. How has that shaped the artist and person you are today?

This is a HUGE question! My family is crazy talented, full of people who can do so many creative things, and I’m truly blessed to be a part of that. It connects us to each other in a really special way. Fun fact: I used to hide my voice from my family, because it felt like following giants. These people who I have watched bring people together and win awards, degrees and even perform for royalty (true story) – it felt like trying to fill the shoes of giants. The flip side of it is that even though they are so incredibly talented and have a lot of accolades, they are still gentle and loving people who are down to earth and love to laugh and live life. Seeing that love mixed in with their talent helped shape the kind of artist I am because it taught me that I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to be authentically myself no matter what, on and off the stage.

Elyssia (center) with her grandmother Nola Jeanpierre (left) and her mother, Carole Jeanpierre (right).

Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration, that’s a big question! I would say that I have multiple. Among the ones that I know I am greatly inspired by are my mother – she is everything to me – and my nana, Nola – she showed me how to love yourself through your art. Honestly, my family is full of inspirations in different ways. I’m very thankful to them. As far as others, my inspirations are some of the familiar classic people such as Hattie McDaniel, Ginger Rodgers, Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland (emphasis on Judy!)

What do you hope audiences will take away from Mary Poppins when they leave the theatre?

I hope they walk away knowing that unconditional love and redemption are never too far away if you have hope and always believe in yourself.

If the Bird Woman had a message for the world, what would it be?

I believe she would say to care for each other and spread love to those in need.

Mary Poppins | May 29 – June 28, 2026 | Hawks Mainstage Theatre