Mary Poppins 10/27

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:07am

Well I didn't end up selling my ticket and decided to skip a work function and go see the show. Thought I'd comment on a couple of things...

First of all, the energy of this performance was amazing (compared to the last time I saw it). And the reception it got from the audience was electric - applause all over the board.
I saw Alexander Scheitinger and Katherine Doherty as Michael and Jane. Katherine was fantastic - such a sweet voice, and a very good little actress. Alexander needs some work. He hasn't performed on stage much and he is **technically** an understudy so he is more than forgiven. But he does have a very pure singing voice, though his acting needs a little work. Two things though - in the Step In Time scene, when the kids are tying their scarves, poor Alexander couldn't tie a knot! He kept twisting it and it kept coming apart. Ashley had to bend down and tie it for him and he was giggling. It was adorable and she was very sweet to help him Also, during the curtain call when the cast sings Supercalif...., Alexander couldn't remember the steps so Mark Price (Robertson Ay) held his hand and helped him. Again, adorable.

All in all, the show keeps looking better and better. It would have been perfect were it not for the three guys sitting behind me who bitched and moaned the ENTIRE intermission that the songs in the show were too different from the movie and they weren't enjoying themselves. So picky and catty - UGGGGGGGGH. People are definitely entitled to their opinions, by all means, but save all of the negativity for when you get home - don't dampen the experience of everyone around you, you know?

Anyway, it was a very enjoyable night of theatre...I look forward to seeing it again

[rent18]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:29am

Hey great review. I pmed you about something

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 1:42am

Alex is not an understudy
He just needs more stage time in this show and he will
be Practically Perfect
I saw him in BEAUTY and he was terrific
It was his first show in a Huge part
All three of the boys in this show
are taking on a big role and will
bring individual take on Michael Banks

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 1:52am

i was just commenting on his obvious lack of experience and stage presence...

[carymetorent2]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 11:20am

As a point, if Alexander is the understudy, that would mean Henry was out tonight...because he is Katharine's partner...

That seems weird to me since there was just a whole discussion in another thread about how Henry has never missed a show. I somehow feel that ALexander was scheduled to go on.

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 11:43am

i asked many people, both on this board and people involved with the show, and they said they try to use matthew and henry as much as they can and that kathryn and alexander were sort of like stand-bys. i was only saying what i was told by other people. maybe they were wrong.
i didn't say alexander was bad by any means - he just looked very unsure of himself onstage and was watching katherine for cues on what to do and when to sing. that's all.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 11:47am

that's so cute of Ashley to help him :)

i would like to see this with my family sometime if we can get tickets...

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 6:40pm

Updated On: 10/29/06 at 06:40 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 6:44pm

Whether or not Henry is out, I don't think Alex is considered an understudy...they always get multiple children to perform those types of roles.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 6:58pm

It just seems odd...Disney NEVER has more than two kids per role.

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 7:17pm

well...i managed to get a ticket from a friend for $20 to last night's show as well, and saw henry hodges and kathryn faughnan so...i have now seen all 6 kids perform the roles...and my favorites are, without a doubt, matthew gumley and katherine doherty. although...kathryn faughnan nailed the accent...it's hard to believe she's not british i look forward to seeing who will be performing opening night!

[Lori2]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 7:56pm

Great review! I can't wait to see it, but I have a while. I'm going to see it in April.

[atlsuperstar]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 8:23pm

Saw the show today and absolutely LOVED IT! I have to say that the sets alone just blew me away..and the nursery coming down for the top of the house is great. My favorite numbers were "Temper Temper" and "Step In Time". I still am not sure how the actor got in the doll house though. The magic with all of the props coming out of the bag in "Pratically Perfect" was amazing. Although I finally just had to ask a friend in the show how it was done..after seeing it a second time it still makes a fantastic illusion.

My favorite scene is with Miss Andrews (the new nanny) with Mary Poppins. Miss Andrews hits an amazing note at the end of her song..and Mary Poppins gets rid of her in a very creative way. I have to say that my friend and I really enjoyed ourselves..the best seats in the house seem to be the front row of the MEZZ. So if your able...I say shoot for that. The ultimate moment of the show is her flying out..of course you think that she is just going to fly across but she actually comes in reaching distance of the mezz "ITS AMAZING". What a great night at the theater!

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 3:12pm

I actually spoke to the girl who played Marta in the production of The Sound of Music that Katherine Doherty did at The Company Theatre. When I told her that Katherine Doherty did not mention that particular production in her bio, she was extremely offended.

[ptactress]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 6:11pm

I feel the need to defend Katherine. I've known her since I choreographed her in her first show at the age of 8. She has been in numerous shows since then and is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. I am sure she just couldn't list every single show she has been in. I have to add that working with her was a breeze. She took direction extremely well and was always focused. Good job, Katherine! The Open Fields family is soo proud of you!

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 6:16pm

Well Marta needs to dump the pink parasol and grow up! Number one: there are word limitation in Who's Who bios, and she's been in many other shows. I have friends who've been in numberous shows and don't mention the ones we were in together, but who cares?

[Zenachick]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 3:24pm

Anyone have an idea of the kids' schedules? I have a Wednesday evening ticket and am curious who I will get to see

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 6:02pm

I don't plan on seeing it soon, since I don't live in New York, but I would also like to know the schedule for the children, too.

[alliez92092]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 6:56pm

Katherine is fantastic. Wheelock Family Theatre misses her.