A Review of Mary Poppins

Photo by Len Struttmann

by Sharon Falduto 

Cedar Rapids - Mary Poppins at Theatre Cedar Rapids is lively, energetic, and colorful fun.

The musical combines elements of the beloved 1960s Disney movie and several plotlines from P.L. Travers’ series of books about the uncanny nanny Mary Poppins, making for a unique musical experience that adds more dimension to the story.

The songs in this musical are both familiar and different. You will hear “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Jolly Holiday,” but the verses are different than those on that old Julie Andrews soundtrack recording. Much of the music is the original Sherman brothers, with additional songs, music, and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, whose credits include Peter Pan and Honk.

TCR Announces Mary Poppins Cast

Cedar Rapids - Theatre Cedar Rapids has announced the cast of Mary Poppins, directed by Leslie Chariper, with musical direction by Janelle Lauer. The show opens May 1, 2015. Here's a quick synopsis from the TCR website:

"The musical is based on the similarly titled series of children's books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, and is a fusion of various elements from the two. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again."

Tickets are available here.