MARY POPPINS REVIEW - A HIT ! **SPOILERS**- Page 2

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 12:25pm

Disney is tight with everything at all times.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 12:36pm

Of all the Disney films to put on the stage, this would seem the 'easiest.' But if you revisit the film, you realize how long and (by today's standards) slowly paced it is. Everything is set up with the metronome set much lower than we're accustomed to. So getting this show to crackle on the stage might not be the slamdunk one would think. Mary -- for all her charm -- is somewhat elusive (look at how few lines Andrews actually has in the film.)

And remember, folks: Strangely enough, it isn't really 'Mary's story.' It's the Banks' family story, and Mary is means to an end,not someone with her own personal arc. On stage, that doesn't necessarily translate into Mary as a powerfully accessible character. That sounds like overly cool craft analysis, but a stage show has to work differently than a film. A lead must drive the action to meet his/her goals. Mary's, other than doing a good job, remain elusive. I'd hope they'd add a bit of emotional subtext to the story -- that Mary falls in love with these particular kids -- so that she has some place to go. Anyone else know what I mean? All great stage musical characters have a strong 'want' or need. (Look no further than Belle, Aida, or Simba--and that's just the Disney leads.) We have to see what this investment in the two Banks kids means to this woman, or oddly enough, the title character could becomea device. Which would make it a sort of ice show instead of character driven musical theater.

Updated On: 10/1/04 at 12:36 PM

[multiply]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 4:56pm

Iris,

Consider it done.

Well... in around a week's time!

[musicaltheatreman]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 5:30pm

i realy hope that when this comes to broadway that sutton foster or susan egan get cast in the show!!!! they are so perfect for the part of mary poppins!!!! :)

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 5:47pm

Actually, I'm totally fine with Laura Michelle Kelly as Mary Poppins, as she displayed a lovely soprano when singing "Far From the Home I Love" while in Fiddler earlier this year. Unless Equity bars her from playing the lead, I hope she makes it across the pond. Which isn't to disrespect either Egan or Foster. But both have headlined (or will be headling) shows already. Give someone else a chance...

[DAME]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 8:58pm

POPPINS is a HUSSY