Sometimes Disney on Broadway seems too easy. Take a sing-a-long classic and put it on stage. People walk into the musical wanting to love it, generally knowing what to expect.
Photo credit: CircusTheater Welcomes MARY POPPINS For Open Ended Run, December 31, 2009 via Broadway.world.com
With Mary Poppins, my fierce love of the movie took away some of my enjoyment of the musical. The musical still works well enough, but these are some changes that irked me.
– Winifred Banks isn’t a suffragette. Boo! That was probably the most amusing part of her character.
– “Stay Awake” didn’t make the cut, and I wish I’d known because I kept waiting to hear it. Disappointing.
– There are too many touchy-feely moments. I could do without the new song “Being Mrs. Banks”.
Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun, and I dare somebody to say otherwise. The following were the choicest musical gems.
Act 1: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Photo credit: Mary Poppins Extended Through 2/7/2010 At Ahmanson, August 28, 2009 via Broadwayworld.com
The costumes were great in this number. And the song is, of course, a beloved classic. But what was most remarkable was the dance. Each letter had a corresponding pose, and the entire ensemble helped spell out the word in song. The silly gestures were repeated in quick succession to create an impressive and delightful energy that lifted the audience’s mood.
Act 2: Step in Time
Photo credit: MARY POPPINS St. Louis Tix on Sale 4/26, Show Stars Ashley Brown, Gavin Lee, April 21, 2009 via Broadwayworld.com
This number was wonderful even before anybody started singing or dancing. In the first few seconds, I was taken aback by the gorgeous set. I frantically took multiple mental pictures before I lost that first image of the rooftops with chimney sweeps silhouetted against a deep blue sky. And it only got better as everybody trooped around the stage with taps on their shoes. Bert even got a solo that was more like stomp than tap. Ooh, this was just pure fun that translated perfectly from movie to musical. Bravo.
The show is leaving Los Angeles soon (February 7) so check it out if you’re in the area. Here are other locations where you can catch the musical. Don’t dillydally!
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