Mary Poppins has appeared in a number of books by PL Travers as well as a hit movie by the Disney company starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The latest appearance of Mary Poppins is in a fun new musical presented by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh. Th show can be enjoyed at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City or touring the United States.
Story of Mary Poppins the Musical
The storyline in Mary Poppins is similiar to that of the movie. The story opens with the Banks' family seeking a new nanny for their children, Jane and Michael. Soon Mary Poppins arrives on the scene to set the children and the household to rights. The children and Mary have many adventures which are similiar to experiences from the movie. Through the experiences the children and their parents learn that family is the most important thing.
The musical does diverge from the movie storyline by including the nanny who cared for Mr. Banks as a child. She comes to the house when Mary leaves for a short time. When Mary Poppins returns she and Miss Andrew disagree over the proper care of children. Miss Andrew leaves, and the children and Mary are happy again.
Mary Poppins the Musical - Characters
Mary Poppins and the Banks family are not the only returning characters. Other familiar characters include the housekeeper, Bert, the bird woman, and the constable. New characters include a young man who works for the Banks, Neleus (a statue who comes to life), Miss Andrew (Mr. Banks' childhood nanny) and Valentine (a doll who comes to life). Chorus members portray the chimney sweeps, toys in the nursery and other people in the park.
Mary Poppins the Musical - Songs and Music
The musical features many songs familiar to fans of the movie as well as some new numbers. Many of the songs written by Richard and Robert Sherman for the Disney film have been included or adapted to the musical. The new songs were written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The new music fits in with the story just as well as the original score.
Old favorites such as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Step in Time" and fun new music like "Playing the Game" show off the dancing and singing of the cast. Solo numbers are sung by the leads with perfection and include "Perfect Nanny," "Brimstone and Treacle," and "Anything Can Happen."
Mary Poppins the Musical - Set
The stage version uses many theatrical tricks to make the scenes change. Set pieces fly in or roll off as needed. Stairs are incorporated into the sets in such a way that they seem to fit into the rest of the scheme of the set and are often invisible to the audience.
The show opens with a scrim in place setting the scene for London, and Cherry Tree Lane. A two sided house appears behind the scrim representing 13 Cherry Tree Lane. The house opens for the main living area of the Banks Family and is spun and opened for the kitchen of the Banks house. Other sets include a nursery set, a fun shop and the rooftops of London.
Mary Poppins is even seen to fly with her signature umbrella at several points during the show. The umbrella flies by itself, as do several kites.
Mary Poppins is a fun-filled musical experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. The music is full of toe tapping fun and the sets are amazing. This is a musical which can be seen and enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a musical to be shared by the whole family.
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