Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Welcome to the World of Walt Disney at Marblehead Little Theatre’s summer show, “Mary Poppins.” The show is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 movie starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. It shows anything can and will happen at #17 Cherry Hill Lane. The Broadway version opened on November 16, 2006, closed March 3, 2013 and ran for 2619 performances. The show was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. It is now a full Broadway musical with 44 major awards worldwide.
The magical story of Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who flies into the lives of the troubled Banks children will dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. Bert, the chimney sweep welcomes the audience into the world of Mary Poppins with “Chim Chim Cheree” and we continue to follow Mary’s exploits throughout all of London. She charms each person she comes in contact with there back in 1910. The talent of the cast captures the hearts of every audience member inducing them to leap to their feet at curtain call. Director Steve Black outdoes himself with this musical extravaganza with expert musical direction by Lianne Goodwin and stunning energetic choreography by Nicole Gulino. Bravo on a job extremely well done.
Steve whom I reviewed as director of “Tommy” in 2012 and as music director of “Man of La Mancha” in 2010 both at Turtle Lane Playhouse in Newton, does a marvelous job with this enormous Disney production. His blocking is spot on and he infuses the cast with high energy from start to finish. Steve blends the comic and dramatic moments together splendidly especially the scene where the children give their father their money. There’s not a dry eye in the theatre after that moment. Lianne taught the vocalists the tongue twisting lyrics and gorgeous melodies and harmonies. She also conducts a terrific ten piece orchestra. while playing lead keyboards. Nicole’s dance numbers sparkle and shine with the most impressive ones being the tap dance for “Step in Time”, the statue dance for “Jolly Holiday” with Will Fafard as Neleus and the Toy dance for “Playing the Game” with Valentine played by Patrick Creedon. Leading this large cast is Jackie Marchetti as Mary Poppins. She embodies this role of the magical nanny marvelously while captivating everyone in the audience. Jackie’s crystal clear soprano voice soars in “Practically Perfect”, “Spoonful of Sugar”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, “Feed the Birds” and “Anything Can Happen.” Her acting and dancing are as splendid as her vocals and her interactions with this cast are astounding. Jackie is astonishing in this role and her flying around the stage is the proper finishing touch to this iconic role. Brian Boruta also shines as Bert, the chimney sweep. He narrates the start of the show with “Chim Chim Cheree” and later on it turns into a huge show stopping dance number as well as a duet for Bert and Mary. Brian displays his strong singing voice in “Jolly Holiday”, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Step in Time” which is a fantastic tap number. His climbing and somersaulting over the house during this number is fabulous, too. Jackie and Brian play off each other splendidly. I have been reviewing Brian for 15 years since he was in college in “Ye Olde Murdyr Mystery” doing murder mystery shows for Whodunnit Murder Mystery Troupe. Flying by Foy was marvelous as was the set by Fourth Wall Scenic and the gorgeous costumes by Brian Simons.
The supporting players do a terrific job with their roles, too. Erik Rodenhiser plays the father, Mr. Banks. He sings “Cherry Tree Lane” with the family as well as in his two solos, “A Man Has His Dreams” when he realizes he’s changed from being an idealistic youth and in “Good for Nothing” when he’s depressed after being suspended from the bank. Erik makes the transition from strict martinet to kinder more caring father by show’s end with Mary’s magic touch especially poignant is when he hugs both children after they give him their money. Mary Reilly shines as Mrs. Banks. She displays a powerful voice in “Being Mrs. Banks” when she thinks she let down her husband and children and in “Anything Can Happen” when she decides to follow her heart and defend her husband. The two children are played by Paige Martino as Jane and Ben Choi-Harris as Michael and they excel in these roles. Their acting is impeccable and their fantastic voices are heard in “Perfect Nanny”, “Practically Perfect”, “Jolly Holiday”, “Spoonful of Sugar”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Step in Time.” They also dance up a storm with the adults. Paige and Ben are onstage almost the whole time and remain in character all night long. Michael’s final line “I love you Mary Poppins” leaves you in tears at the close of the show.
The villainess in this show is Miss Andrew wonderfully played by Laura Pawlyk. She is a hoot as this malevolent woman who rejects Mary Poppins spoonful of sugar to her own elixir “Brimstone and Treacle” with castor oil. Miss Andrews is a tyrant and a nightmare of a nanny who frightened George as a child. Her voice soars up to a high B in her song. Laura and Jackie do a reprise of it when Mary banishes her from Jane and Michael’s lives for good. Meaghan Holtz plays the kindly Mrs. Corry who runs a candy store in Act 1. This is where the show stopping “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is performed with precision by one and all. Janet Sheehan tugs at your heartstrings as Bird Woman who sings the poignant “Feed the Birds” with Mary Poppins. The Bird Woman teaches Michael how to be kind to others. Fuss budget maid Mrs. Brill is well played by Sue Brother while Robinson Ay, the butler is played wonderfully by Gary Ames who displays a strong tenor voice in “Spoonful of Sugar.” His pratfalls and clumsiness won him much laughter during the show. Kudos to the whole cast and crew who bring this heartwarming family musical to life in Marblehead. So for a marvelous and magical rendition of this Disney classic, be sure to catch “Mary Poppins” before she flies out of town forever.
MARY POPPINS (23 June to 1 July)
Marblehead Little Theatre, 217 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA
1(781)631-9697 or www.MLTlive.org
