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Mary Poppins
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Mary Poppins
By Tony Reverditto

As a child of five in 1964, I as many other baby boomers experienced one of our first and fondest cinematic memories . . . watching Mary Poppins. I remember sitting on a step in aisle of the movie theatre, rather then a seat, with a bucket of popcorn, mesmerized as I watched the Disney magic unfold. Well, who would've thought that forty-five years later I would be given the opportunity to go back in time and actually relive one of my most influential musical experiences--live on stage?

Broadway's "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" stage adaptation of the award-winning hit Mary Poppins comes to the Ahmanson Theatre for an exclusive engagement. The musical is based on the classic Walt Disney film, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. So, get this . . . it was the big press and celebrity West Coast Opening Night Gala and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. None other than Dick Van Dyke, who immortalized the role of Bert, entered the theatre. It was an ironic thrill to say hello and to let him know how much his comedic gift has made me laugh over the years. He thanked me, I said to "enjoy the show," to which he responded "I plan on it"! For me, it elevated the evening to a special level of excitement and nostalgia, knowing he at the performance.

George Banks, an old-fashioned, unlikable London banker played aptly by Karl Kenzler. He struggles but fails miserably, to keep a nanny for his two naughty children, Jane and Michael in place. The roles of the children were played by Bailey Grey and Carter Thomas and they were perfectly "precocious." The kids know exactly what they want in their ideal nanny. They compose an advertisement, requesting one with ("a cheery disposition, rosy cheeks, who plays games - of all sorts"). George completely dismisses the notion and no sooner does the "practically perfect" Mary Poppins appear in the sky and floats right into their lives, which would soon be changed forever. Mary played by Ashley Brown, charms George into giving her the job in fact, she charms everyone with her fantastic, yet mysterious portrayal and really lives up to the role. The mysterious, super duper nanny takes the unsuspecting family on the ride of their lives and it was great to observe all of the characters unravel under influence. Bert, portrayed by Gavin Lee originated the role in London and New York and was nominated for a Tony award. His interpretation is truly a pleasure and hauntingly reminiscent of Dick Van Dyke in his youth. Naturally, imitation is the highest form of flattery and Lee captured the wiry body language, polished dance moves, and his connection with Mary.

Director Richard Eyre did a great job getting top-notch performances out of everyone in the phenomenal cast, which also includes Megan Osterhaus, Katie Balen , Bailey Grey, Bryce Baldwin, Carter Thomas, Emily Harvey, Laird Mackintosh, Wendy James, Mike O'Carroll, Valerie Boyle, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Tom Souhrada, Brin Letendre, Ellen Harvey, Michael Gerhart, Dominic Roberts, Mary VanArsdel, Q. Smith, Nick Sanchez, Tia Altinay, Carol Angeli, Gail Bennett, Kiara Bennett, Brandon Bieber, Elizabeth Broadhurst, Geoffrey Goldberg, Tiffany Howard, Justin Keyes, Sam Kiernan, Koh Mochizuki and Shua Potter.

To pull off a huge production like this it takes so many people and every technical aspect of the show was spot on. The elaborate lighting design, set design, hair, costume, and make-up were impeccably mastered. The orchestra was flawless and enhanced the score beautifully, some of the stand-out songs were "Chim Chim Cher-ee", "A Spoonful of Sugar" "Feed the Birds" poignantly sung by Mary VanArsdel, "Let's Go Fly a Kite" and "Anything Can Happen". This show takes one on a wonderful journey and is highly recommended!

Runs: through Feb 7, 2010. Tickets: $25-$82 @ 213-972-4444 or www.centertheatregroup.org Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. L.A.

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