By Manning Harris
“Mary Poppins” dares you not to be dazzled. The huge, first-class production currently at the Fox through May 16, presented here by arrangement with Broadway Across America, has so much going for it that it that it’s almost frightening. Mary Poppins, the world’s most famous nanny, cannot be defeated; so miss it at your peril.
She glides through the air like a beneficent umbrella-powered stealth bomber. Got family or work problems? They haven’t got a chance with Miss Mary on your side. She is, to quote the UK’s Herald, “the perfect embodiment of the outwardly prim nanny with the free-thinking mind.” Where does she come from? Who knows? Even more than the iconic 1964 movie with Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins emerges as mystical, magical force, whose ways are ultimately unknowable. But she has a charming smile and a lovely singing voice and is played by Welsh actress Caroline Sheen.
You ought to know that “Mary Poppins” is probably the most visually arresting, technically elaborate musical play ever to play the Fox. Bob Crowley’s scenic and costume design is breathtaking; you’ll want to freeze some of the vignettes and hang them in your living room. The choreography is by Matthew Bourne, who co-directs with Richard Eyre. The legendary Cameron Mackintosh (“Cats,” “Les Miserables,” “The Phantom of the Opera”) produces. Original music and lyrics are by Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. New songs and music are by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
It isn’t often that Atlanta gets to see the original London and Broadway star, but Gavin Lee as the chimney sweep and cockney-of-all-trades and Mary’s BFF is that man, and he is complete, practicing talent. I don’t know what he’s being paid, but he’s worth every penny and more as he literally tap dances upside down on the ceiling of the Fox stage. It’s a breathtaking moment.
Laird Mackintosh and Blythe Wilson are perfection as the struggling-to-be-happy couple George and Winifred Banks. Their children, Jane (Kelsey Fowler or Bailey Grey) and Michael (Bryce Baldwin or Carter Thomas) are excellent and of “Billy Elliot” caliber (my highest praise). Miss Andrew, the nanny from Hades who briefly takes Mary’s place (Ellen Harvey) would make the Wicked Witch herself tremble.
There’s quite a bit of metaphysical thought here (in such songs as “Anything Can Happen”), and you could argue that the show is a bit heavy in the didactics. I would say, so what? “Mary Poppins” is a consistently overachieving entertainment; remember this, and you’ll have a ball.
At 2 hours 45 minutes the show is a tad long; have the kids take a nap before you come. Then go see “Mary Poppins” and become a kid yourself. Or do you want that woman with the umbrella to land on you?
For more information, visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. To contact Manning Harris: fmanningh@gmail.com.
I just saw this play last night. I am an Atlanta native. I have ushered and attended many shows at the Fox. This play is AWESOME. Walt Disney studios go all out to make this a magical production. The cast is terrific. Kids of all ages will remember this production for years to come.
Jeff is right; people will remember this show. Thanks for writing.
My family and I visited Atlanta over the weekend of May 7-9, 2010 specifically to see Mary Poppins. My 5 year old was spellbound as were my wife and I! Please don’t miss this production! We were blown away by the cast, effects, and the Fox is a true American gem! One other note, we experienced “southern hospitality” from the moment our AirTran flight landed! Centennial Park, the GA Aquarium, Max Lager’s, Morton’s, Paschal’s, folks in the park, the Hyatt Place Downtown, cabbies, etc… We can’t wait for a return trip to Atlanta. Downtown (the part we saw anyway) was totally litter free and easy to navigate on foot. You guys have done an excellent job of making Atlanta a very attractive destination! KUDOS TO ALL!
We are 2 kids past the age of 40 and this was the best date we’ve had since we can remember. Of course, we can’t remember where we parked our cars, but that’s not important. The story is great, the music/singing is phenominal, the staging is brillant, the dancing is mesmerizing, and the acting is delightfully entertaining. We’ve seen many Broadway shows and this one is at the top of our must-see list. Thanks, Disney.