Australian-born author P.L Travers’ timeless tale of a practically perfect nanny has captivated imaginations for generations.
Now, for the first time, the hit musical comes to Adelaide with a stunningly reimagined story which beautifully combines elements from Walt Disney’s classic film with original songs and fun-filled dance routines to bring the many stories of Mary Poppins to life.
As the curtain rises, audience catch their first glimpse of the troubled Banks family; father George whose strict upbringing has left him cold and distant, mother Winifred, a loving woman struggling to find her identity and reconnect with her husband and Jane and Michael Banks – two children whose unruly behaviour masks a desperate desire to connect with their parents. As this fractured family teeters on the edge of despair, the desperate children make a wish which will ultimately change all their lives.
Channelling her inner Julie Andrews, actress Stefanie Jones delivers a stunning performance as Mary Poppins; a no-nonsense nanny with a penchant for fun whose wise musings and beautiful voice has the power to open eyes and rebuild broken families. Standing prim and proper in her waistcoat, gloves and hat, Stefanie commands your attention and holds it in her magical grip until her final, whimsical moments on stage.
Jack Chambers is truly entertaining as the cheeky yet lovable chimney sweep and Jack of all trades Bert; while Patti Newton is virtually unrecognisable, yet thoroughly entertaining in her role as the aptly-titled Bird Woman. Tom Wren and Lucy Maunder have a natural chemistry which shines through their roles as George and Winifred Banks; while young actors Sophie Isaac and Reuben Koronczyk are practically perfect as Jane and Michael Banks and their tongue-in-cheek antics have the audience in stitches. Despite their young age, the pair handle the physical demands of their roles with ease, laughing, singing and dancing along with their fellow cast members to a series of high-energy song and dance routines which will have you tapping your toes and singing along.
Image © Daniel Boud
A series of flawlessly designed moving sets bring the world of 'Mary Poppins' to life in exquisite detail. The beautiful Banks home unfolds before our eyes like a Victorian dollhouse; with rooms sweeping from left to right across the stage. The marbled floors and imposing pillars of George’s workplace appear to rise towards the audience like a magical 3D picture and even the star-lit chimneys in the distance seem to hold a dream-like allure.
The talented cast take to the stage in neutral tones of brown, black, white and grey meant to symbolise the demure nature of the time period; but when Mary works her magic the stage (and the cast) come alive with vibrant shades of reds, oranges, yellows and greens – this use of colour to distinguish the stifling rules of reality from the magical worlds Mary creates is truly breathtaking.
Featuring familiar tunes such as 'Let's Go Fly A Kite' and 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' as well as a host of original songs, ‘Mary Poppins’ takes audiences on a musical journey which reminds everyone that magic is all around them; and its underlying themes of family, love and acceptance will resonate with many.
One thing is for sure, you won’t need a spoonful of sugar to help this medicine go down.
