“Mary Poppins”, the stage
musical, is based on a series of eight
Children’s books written by P.J. Travers from 1934 to 1988 and a 1964 Disney
film. A 2003 collaboration between Disney studios,
Producer Cameron Mackintosh, songwriters George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and
script writer Julian Fellowes fashioned a musical theatre version which opened
in London in 2004 and debuted on Broadway in 2006 where it garnered several
Tony nominations and awards.
Pleasure Guild’s current Central Ohio production is filled with
joy, energy, great singing and dancing, beautiful costumes, a fabulous
orchestra and that extra bit of stage magic that reflects the title character’s
special powers.
This was opening night, and some of the scene shifts and technical effects were a little rough.
The show features a huge cast, crew and
support staff with some of Central Ohio’s most skilled and capable theatre
people.
Brandon Fox is especially noteworthy in the
role of Bert. His stage presence, dancing, singing and characterization are spot-on. Kristen Basore is excellent in the title
role. David Bahgat, (George Banks) brings energetic creativity to his
portrayal.
I always enjoy seeing Central Ohio theatre
friends having a good time on stage. Julie Russell has fine vocals and appearance as the bird woman. She obviously enjoys the tap dancing opportunities
as part of the chimney sweep chorus.
It was
good to see other theatre friends in this production – including Luther Center,
Emma Lou Andrews, Dayton Duval and the entire Cremean family – Kate, Tim and
their children David and Emily.
I usually prefer live
theatre over film versions of shows – even when the movie came before the stage
adaptation, as is the case with this production. Pleasure Guild’s rendition of this beloved classic provides a wonderful
piece of theater entertainment that the entire family can enjoy.
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