by Josephine Norris, Photo Editor.
What comes to mind when you think of a nanny? A purse that seems as deep as a hole dug to China? Flying a kite? Or perhaps chimney sweeps dancing atop the roofs of London? All of these scenes are representations of the Disney classic “Mary Poppins” which turned 50 years old just last year. In 2004, Disney created a theatrical experience based on the beloved movie. The musical brought the highflying adventure to the stage, leaving audiences mesmerized by the exciting and magical stage effects. Recently, the Midland Center for the Arts has undertaken the challenge of bringing the flying and “practically perfect” Mary Poppins to the Mid-Michigan stage.
The show opens with Bert, the show’s narrator, painting the state of affairs of Number 17 Cherry Lane, home to the Banks and their two children who are in need of yet another nanny. The Banks family stands behind the scrim, a see through curtain, and are lit up and moving about like dolls. As the scrim lifts, their house is revealed and unfolds just like a life-sized dollhouse, and the magical adventure begins.
Summoned by the children’s advertisement for the perfect nanny, Mary Poppins appears in the Banks’ living room and sets about her work to bring much needed happiness to the home. Aided by Bert and an ensemble of characters from Victorian London, Mary Poppins teaches the children and parents that life is more than “precision and order,” that it’s truly magical and “anything can happen.”
The acting throughout the show was solid, not only the leads, but the ensemble as well. Each ensemble member has their own story, plays multiple roles and clearly communicates them. My only complaint is that I wish there were more of them. Even though there were over 24 ensemble performers, the large size of the stage and certain blocking choices seemed to swallow them up.
It was neat to see real life couple Emily and Bill Anderson play opposite one another. Both are very talented performers and played their characters well through their onstage chemistry and acting.
Just like Bert’s many, many careers, the cast also held many jobs and roles in addition to acting, singing and dancing; they also move set pieces and help set the various scenes. This can be distracting, but in the case of this show it really helped keep the audience in the world of the musical, rather than watching stage hands not in costume onstage as they move the set.
The large size of the stage in Midland Center for the Arts’ auditorium is both a blessing and a curse. It is amazing to have that much performing space, however it is very hard to fill with a set and cast. Evan Lewis’ set design is creative, especially with the dollhouse style Banks’ home. I loved how it unfolded and spun to reveal the children’s bedroom. Another notable scene was the noble and regal bank backdrop and set up. The detail and size was very impressive and was one of the only times during the show that the stage was filled up.
Now onto the most exciting part of this show: the stage effects. I mean, how amazing is it to see an actress fly across the stage?! I have to say, no matter how simple it seems, watching an actor defy gravity – green or not – gives me goose bumps (sorry, I couldn’t resist making that “Wicked” reference).
The show’s magical effects also include: a kitchen that reassembles itself after being thrown into chaos by a clumsy servant, Mary sliding up the stairs, and of course Mary, Bert and the children flying across the stage. Definitely thrilling moments throughout for any theatergoer.
Two minor things I have issues with the show are the use of spotlights, which are jarring in appearance of the the color of the light and shaky in operation, which is distracting in some scenes. I also would like to see more big ensemble dance numbers. This show has potential to have amazing ensemble numbers with great dancing and the production didn’t quite live up to it.
That being said, director Laura Brigham has a great eye for detail. Minor details like props, stories of the minor characters, and an auditorium full of stars in one of the show’s numbers helped create the reality of the show.
The character of Mary Poppins herself is like theater. A magical thing with which anything can happen. She brings happiness and magic to the ordinary, just like theater. It’s fitting that her story is brought to the stage.
Top moment: The musical number “Anything Can Happen.”
This number is a great example of the use of lighting to create a scene and feel. The scene takes place amongst the stars and took the audience along. Using a disco ball (yes, a disco ball) to light up the sky of the auditorium over the audience, as well as projections of moons and stars onstage. Throughout the number small storylines of the ensemble were wrapped up.
If you should check out this production of “Mary Poppins,” let me know how to get the song, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” out of one’s head… It’s ridiculously catchy!
“Mary Poppins” runs Sept. 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 989-631-5930 or by going online to the website, mcfta.org.
