Mary Poppins in Chicago Reviews

Anyone going to tonight's first preview?

I'd love to hear what people think of the new set, and also whether the rumours about Cameron Mackintosh removing Temper Temper are true.

This is one of the few shows that I would be willing to pay full price too, that is, if there is no discount code.



I too am very curious about the house!

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Yes, AKB is in the show. I can't wait to see the tour as it comes through my city in August!

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I love how in that song the walls split in 2 and stretch out, reminds me of poltergeist some how, lol.

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Because they're mean.
But in all seriousness, the reason that they took so long to come to New York, was because they thought it was too scary for the American audiences. I mean, for me, the audience's reactions are priceless

Well we went and saw Poppins this afternoon. The show curtain is a scrim with the roof tops on the tomoorrow and the title across it with the projector. I liked the set; we saw it in London and there is no way they'd be able to tour that massive set. The "comic book" look worked very well. It wasn't distracting at all.

Temper, Temper is history. There is another song in its place which is less scary to the kids but isn't that good. I understand why it was done but Temper, Temper is a better song.

The flying is as it was in the London production so I'd expect it was the same as the Broadway version. Sitting in the Center of the Loge you'll get an excellent view of some of the flying.

Lots and lots of children there today; most seemed to enjoy it so I think it will be in the Palace for while.

how was AKB? I am a big AKB fan. Probably the only reason I would see Mary Poppins would be to see him.
He would be a great Bert. Is he a Bert understudy on tour?
Can someone post an understudy list?

Updated On: 3/15/09 at 08:58 PM

Whoa! No "Temper, Temper"? I loved that song. Does the replacement song still involve the nursery toys?

Umm no he is a good performer and I think he has a great singing voice.

I saw the show on Thursday night. I have not seen any other production of the show. I was a bit under-whelmed by the whole experience. Everyone was great in their parts, but I guess I just expected more. Too many ballads in Act I.

The following might be considered **spoilers** so consider yourself warned.


The set. The show curtain was plain, just the logo on a curatin with a projection of blue blobs over it. The house was impressive. I had to go online after the show to see set photos from Broadway to notice any difference. The house unfolds like a Build-A-Bear box to reveal the staircase in the middle with a closet door underneath and a hall behind the stairs. The side panels are painted and not functional for actors. Furniture moves in on tracks to put us in different parts of the house. The nursury is great, faithful to the Broadway version from what I can see.

I thought the lighting design was distracting. The color palatte was confusing. There were times I didn't think it meshed with the overall look of the show. I am also not a fan of using spotlights on every character, every time they are on stage.

Gavin and Ashley were great. Spot on. They were very nice at the stage door as well. Ashley had her dog with her. Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Robertson Ay and Valerie Boyle as Mrs. Brill were exceptional. They are worth the price of admission.

The flying effects were not overly impressive since they did not do a good job of hiding any of the wires. (at least from my seat. Orchestra Row S House right)

I did not know until reading this thread that a song was replaced. The new song, I am assuming, is called "Playing the Game" This is where the toys come to life. I thought it was one of the downers of the show.

My wife and seven year old daughter loved the show. They love the movie too.

Sorry if this was a bit all over the board, I have never written a "review" before on here.

Yeah, agreed on Temper, Temper. It was really good when I saw it in London and one of the reasons I liked the show was because it was more "dark" persay than the movie

I love "Temper, Temper" too! I found it to be more funny than scary when I saw it.

Temper Temper still on B'way.