Great performances but a different story
by BerwynBill on 10/16/11Cadillac Palace - ChicagoMany of the recent movie-to-stage adaptations take liberties with what was presented on screen when adapting for the stage. With this version of Mary Poppins, it's very evident. That's not to say that what's presented isn't done so very well and with some very memorable theatrics and performances. But if you come expecting all of the music and imagery from the Disney film, you will be in for quite a surprise. There are a number of new songs as well as some very different visual interpretations of the songs that did carry over from the film. Instead of dancing penguins and carousel horses, you have statues come to life. The magical clean-up scene in the bedroom has shifted to the kitchen. And if you love "I love to laugh," be prepared to pull out your dvd when you get home. It isn't in this live version. Differences aside, there are some wonderful sights and performances here. Rachel Wallace looks practically perfect as Mary Poppins and her full warm voice wins as the best vocal performance of the evening. I was left wishing we could have seen a bit more of Mary's warmth and humanity. Her Poppins was, at times, a bit chilly & calculated. Nicolas Dromard was engaging and fun as Bert and his timing & footwork was impressive, especially in his gravity defying tap dance around the proscenium. The rest of the cast was strong with special mention going to Janet MacEwen, who mined vocal and emotional gold from her small part as the Bird Woman. On the second night of the run, there were some technical problems with the amplification which particularly hampered the Jane & Michael. I would think these will be remedied quickly. Overall, my family enjoyed the evening. My daughter loved the show but lamented the absence of some of her favorite songs & scenes (as did I). Therein lies the danger when adapting such a beloved movie for the stage. I only wish Disney Theatrical Productions had used the same inventiveness they brought to the staged Lion King when imagining bringing Mary Poppins from the celluloid to the footlights. The magic that was left out of this production tends to overshadow the magic that was brought in.