LaCageFans: MARY POPPINS Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 5:06pm

MARY POPPINS Review
https://www.nycriticscorner.broadwayworld.com/marypoppins.htm

The answer is finally Blowin' in the Wind this theatre season! While the Bob Dylan breeze was practically non-existent; the extraordinary English nanny that blows in on the East Wind with her parrot-headed umbrella at Broadways New Amsterdam theatre is a hurricane of excitement.

From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. Bringing along her magic carpetbag, Ms. Poppins introduces her charges, Jane and Michael, to some delightful people and extraordinary experiences.

The classic story tells of the world's most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes is now a full scaled Broadway musical brought to us by the producing powerhouse Disney Theatricals. Featuring a breathtaking set design by Tony winner Bob Crowley, this stage version is sure to delight audience-goers of all ages.

The story at this point is pretty universally known by adults and children alike! It all starts when Mary Poppins is blown by the east wind onto the doorstep of the Banks house. She becomes the most unusual nanny Jane and Michael Banks have ever had. Who else but Mary,l./ Poppins can slide up banisters, pull an entire armchair out of an empty carpetbag, and make a dose of medicine taste like a spoonful of sugar? A day with Mary Poppins is a day of magic and make-believe come to life; and three hours with Ashley Brown as the title character in this brilliant stage version is like dying and going to a musical theatre paradise.
Brown ("On the Record," "Beauty and the Beast") not only does a wonderful job singing the classic Poppins tunes, but through her characterization of the unique nanny, the audience witnesses a Brava performance by an up and coming leading lady. These days audiences are lucky to see standout performances, but here they are welcome to a handful. Making his Broadway debut, Gavin Lee as chimney sweep Bert, (a role he originated in the London production of Poppins) is a force to be reckoned with as his whimsical charm, layered with honest sincerity makes for an exciting show turn. And if Broadway veteran, Rebecca Luker ("The Music Man," "The Sound of Music"), does not pick up at least a Featured Actress Tony nomination for her turn as Winifred Banks, then the remainder of this theatre season will have to be the best performed featured actress in a musical season ever. Her "Being Mrs. Banks" is ballad that seems to be written just for Luker to stop the show.

Although at first glance, the story's primary emphasis seems to be on the plot and characterization of the Banks' children's' relationship with their nanny, some thumbnail socio-economic insights are inevitably presented that make this stage version a true blue Broadway Musical. Although P.L. Travers story was written over 60 years ago, the message still rings true. The book by Julian Fellowes stays true to the printed word. And the new and recognizable tunes by Anthony Drewe, Robert Sherman, Richard Sherman and George Stiles will leave audiences humming the tunes for days on end. But, the Choreography by Matthew Bourne under solid direction by Richard Eyre makes these actors do more than show up eight times a week for performances, but earn every single cent Disney is paying them.

This solid production would be a SUPER purchase for parents seeking to be entertained along with their children, for theatergoers who want to see a EXCEPTIONAL new stage musical, or for anyone who wants to forget all the stresses of daily life and just have a FANTASTIC time.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 5:32pm

But...was it BLISSFULLY BRILLIANT or BEAUTIFULLY BEGUILING?

[jv92]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 5:38pm

Finally, somebody mentions "Being Mrs. Banks"! Thank you!

[zerodanny]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 9:33pm

I am glad you liked it.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 9:53pm

I simply adored it...and another new musical had better be annoucned this season if anything has the hopes of upsetting MP's chance at Award victory.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 12:45am

I agree with most of what you said, LaCage. Funny, I haven't even been thinking about best musical Tony's, but you're right. Mary Poppins is certainly an early favorite.

The interesting category will be best revival.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 12:48am

I agree that Luker's "Being Mrs. Banks" was beautfully sung. I think she was perfectly cast. Too bad it won't be recorded.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 12:52am

bump Updated On: 11/12/06 at 12:52 AM

[Just_John]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 1:02am

How do you know it won't be recorded?? I was getting the impression that it was most likely going to be from other posts.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 1:37am

Oh really? I hope it is recorded because all the performances are excellent.

[clarkstallings]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 2:18am

On Oct. 28, the folks at the theatre told me that the show wouldn't be recorded. However, on the November 7 update on Stiles and Drewe's website, they said that they are still discussing the possibility of a recording so perhaps there's hope?

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 11/12/06 at 6:56am

Just some of my thoughts on last night's performance (11/11/06) of Mary Poppins:

I disagree with the post above that this is an expceptional show, enjoyable yes, worthy of praise, I don't think so.

Technically, the show has some magical moments; the special effects are well-done, and to its credit, not over the top. Sets and costumes are visually beautiful and the lighting deserves more than an honorable mention.

The cast: Rebecca Luker is wonderful, in fine voice and probably the only principal who truly "acts." "Being Mrs. Banks" is a great addition. Daniel Jenkins (Mr. Banks) is decent but I didn't really think the role was well played. He didn't come alive and sink his teeth into the role until the second Act.

The children seemed out of a second rate touring company, overacting, over gesturing. Even when their life lessons learned in Act 2 are taken to heart, you don't really care.

Gavin Lee does a fine job. He sings well and dances even better. I did enjoy his performance and looked forward to his time on stage. Step in Time offers some terrific moments, as does his (with Mary Poppins) Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious; definitely audience pleasers. The only over the top applause came at the end of these 2 numbers. The other musical numbers received tepid applause.

Cleary the audience, primarily composed of kids and their parents enjoyed the show. There were many out of country tourists there and the folk from London who had seen the show there were making comparisons, were commenting on how the show was significanly brighter and cheerier than the West End production, Even Temper, Temper has been tamed down.

All in all, a fun evening and worth a visit but not the "hit" I had expected. As a side note, the kids and their parents loved it.