There's magic in all of us, and if you don't believe it, perhaps a few hours with Mary Poppins ought to change your mind. Spit spot!
'Mary Poppins The Musical' is Disney at its most enchanting. It's a practically perfect way to escape the noise that the outside world constantly seems to be making, presenting its audience with colour, extravagance, and more.
The iconic Cherry Tree Lane house, perhaps the most impressive set piece in the show, folds open and closed like a gigantic dollhouse, providing a sense of childlike whimsy throughout. Set changes and swift and clean, the story moving along at a pace that keeps the intrigue at a peak.
Image © Daniel Boud
The Brisbane audience on opening night (27 October, Queensland Performing Arts Centre) were clearly in high spirits from the production's first note, cheering and clapping at every point possible – and rightly so. There's not a single flaw in the casting of 'Mary Poppins The Musical'. . . As with any show, each actor (principal and ensemble) plays an incredibly important role in bringing the story together, and 'Mary Poppins' feels so full of heart, love, and commitment from everyone on stage.
George and Winifred Banks, played by Tom Wren and Lucy Maunder respectively, convincingly portray two parents in two very different places – one buried in his work and the other trying to do the best she can to maintain family values. Songs like 'A Man Has Dreams' and the heartfelt 'Being Mrs Banks' are highlights from these two.
Patti Newton's hunched and fragile Bird Woman is so very charming and bewitching each time she appears on stage – Patti truly embodies this role and it's a genuine pleasure to witness her dedication here. 'Feed The Birds' is such a simple yet totally engrossing and breathtaking musical moment. . . A moment Patti is more than qualified to deliver.
Image © Daniel Boud
Children Michael (Fraser Goodreid) and Jane (Dorothea Seierup) Banks just blow the audience away. It's always such a treat to see young actors and actresses in such huge productions, never missing a single beat – Fraser and Dorothea's futures in showbusiness look bright. Both performers hit every note, every blocking cue, and every dance move with impressive ease.
I can't help but highlight a slight set mishap in this particular performance during 'A Spoonful Of Sugar' for the fact that it was so swiftly and expertly fixed by Fraser, in the midst of a sequence of choreography from which he was able to break from and return to within seconds. It's moments like this which remind audiences of the beautiful honesty of live theatre – not to mention the total professionalism of this young performer.
Jack Chambers is infectiously kind and energetic as Bert. . . His presence on stage always a guarantee of total and utter joy. Oh, and his chemistry with Mary Poppins is gorgeous.
Image © Daniel Boud
Stefanie Jones is nothing short of extraordinary as the production's titular character. It's almost as though this character was written for Stefanie – as an observing audience member, each movement and each line feels so completely natural, and there's an element of pure escapism in her portrayal – something that feels as though you've been transported to a different time. 'Practically Perfect' with Fraser and Dorothea is wondrous, and a real signifier of how the rest of the performance will be.
Of course, being a Disney production, 'Mary Poppins The Musical' is almost outrageous in its extravagance and splendour. There are sprinkles of that classic Disney 'how did that happen?!' stage magic throughout the entire show, huge musical numbers, towering set pieces, and an unmistakeable charm. And, while charm surely exists in musicals and theatre shows aplenty, you truly cannot beat the enchantment of a Disney show.
A dynamic, delightful adventure filled with wonder at every turn, 'Mary Poppins The Musical' is a spoonful of sugar so soul-warming that it'll be hard not to line up for a second serving.
★★★★★
