I'm guessing most people are familiar with some aspect of the show Mary Poppins: either the beloved children's book by P.L. Travers, the iconic Walt Disney film, or at the very least, the fact that Dick Van Dyke is still alive and entertaining at 98 years old. The live production captivated Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances, received nine Olivier and seven Tony Award nominations, including best musical, and has previously delighted audiences here in Springfield. The Hoogland Center for the Arts invites you to once again enjoy this "practically perfect" musical, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins.
The show is a visual feast with sets that look as if they're drawn with pen and ink and watercolor washes, with stylish, tailored period costumes that pop with color and lots of whimsy. There are some cool special effects that may leave you wondering, "How did they do that?" And if you've ever been afraid of your childhood toys coming to life, there's even a number for you, too.
For all of its wonderment, the story is a little dreary at first. It's 1910 England when we meet the Banks family, comprised of some rather troublesome children, their beleaguered mother, workaholic father and exasperated servants. Despite elegant surroundings and a seemingly proper upbringing, they are far from the picture-perfect family and the kids have just run off another nanny. The father, George, seems perpetually irritated and too preoccupied with work to invest in the lives of his family, leaving his poised and patient wife, Winifred, to manage the children and the house. Enter Mary Poppins, an itinerant and mysterious nanny who floats into their lives in response to the children's want ad. Little do the Banks children realize that while their ideal nanny is indeed kind and witty and fairly pretty, she's actually there to impart some practical advice and important life lessons, some of which they find to be a little boring.
On a walk with Mary, the children meet her good friend, Bert, a man of many professions who also serves as the show's narrator. He explains to them how lucky they are to have Mary in their lives. They meet a slew of wise, silly and eccentric characters along the way and eventually learn how to find joy in simple things like strolling in the park, good night kisses and flying a kite.
Leading the cast is Stephanie Myre as the magical Mary Poppins, bringing both a stern but well-meaning hand and warmth to the role. Greg Donathan as the dour George Banks evokes our delight once he's able to tap into his inner child, and Molly Schunicht as his wife is a lovely and tolerant Winifred. Kyle DePatis seems born to play the part of Bert. He easily guides us through the story with his witty delivery, acrobatic dancing (especially in the buoyant "Step in Time" number), and lots of winks to the audience. Myre and DePatis complement one another wonderfully.
It's the same for the exceptional young performers in the show playing the Banks children, Ava Lusk as Jane and Cooper Pearce as Michael. What talents! Sherry Frachey as the Bird Woman in "Feed the Birds" is particularly moving and Miss Andrew, portrayed by Zoey Zara, is sufficiently terrifying. Also worth noting, Caitlin Tom as Mrs. Brill cracked me up several times. Everyone is this show sings beautifully and does fantastically well with their accents. At times, the orchestra overpowered and it was hard to hear the dialogue, but that's a minor quibble that might be adjusted by now.
Kudos to the entire staff and crew, including director Craig Williams II, assistant director Casey Kulavic, choreographer Anna Maisenbacher, assisted by Cooper Coker and Jaden Saunders, and vocal director Christie Lazarides for crafting an entertaining and high-flying show.
For Williams, this is his second time at the helm. Asked why he wanted to tell this story again, he said, "Mary Poppins speaks to the very thing that makes us human: kindness. It encourages us to do good, suggesting that just a small act of good can and will bring you closer to the heavens. I wanted another shot at telling a worthwhile story to our community. I'm very thankful to be in a community of storytellers that want to share positive and uplifting messages together."
The show continues at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in the LRS Theatre Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will start at 2 p.m.
Mary Young was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades.