#1
Posted: 12/8/04 at 5:29am
I saw Mary Poppins last night and I knew in advance that one of the major effects would not work yet. I know you don't see a show just to see the effects but I felt initially a bit disappointed. In the end I should not have worried because I got more than my money's worth.
It is such a lovely show, less childish that the film and much more emotionally engaging. The sets, costumes and physical effects are just fantastic, in fact the whole design works perfectly. Laura Michelle is amazing as Mary, you can't take your eyes off her when she is on stage and David Haig is particularly good as Mr Banks. The two children have enormous roles to remember and have to act, sing and dance, quite a feat for such youngsters.
They have taken a story-lines closer in tone to the books than the film and I found it very engaging. By the end you actually cared about the characters particularly Mr and Mrs Banks. I would say at the moment the second act works much better than the first which has some sections that don't work as well as they should, such as the opening few minutes in the house and "Jolly Holiday". They are right to advise that it is not suitable for smaller Children, I am sure the song "Temper Temper" will provide a few nightmares, hell I found it spooky so God knows what it would do to a 5 year old.
There are mutterings that it is not a carbon copy of the film on stage, if you want the film buy the DVD. If you want something new and stunning go to the theatre. I am sure I was not alone in spending the last few minutes of the show with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Well recommended.
It is such a lovely show, less childish that the film and much more emotionally engaging. The sets, costumes and physical effects are just fantastic, in fact the whole design works perfectly. Laura Michelle is amazing as Mary, you can't take your eyes off her when she is on stage and David Haig is particularly good as Mr Banks. The two children have enormous roles to remember and have to act, sing and dance, quite a feat for such youngsters.
They have taken a story-lines closer in tone to the books than the film and I found it very engaging. By the end you actually cared about the characters particularly Mr and Mrs Banks. I would say at the moment the second act works much better than the first which has some sections that don't work as well as they should, such as the opening few minutes in the house and "Jolly Holiday". They are right to advise that it is not suitable for smaller Children, I am sure the song "Temper Temper" will provide a few nightmares, hell I found it spooky so God knows what it would do to a 5 year old.
There are mutterings that it is not a carbon copy of the film on stage, if you want the film buy the DVD. If you want something new and stunning go to the theatre. I am sure I was not alone in spending the last few minutes of the show with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Well recommended.
