Practically Perfect in Every Way

Mary Poppins – Drury Lane

Since the first National Tour played in Chicago, the Windy City has enjoyed a number of productions of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins.” Each one has been unique, exceptional and magical in its own way. Now Drury Lane Theatre is presenting another one-of-a-kind production of this theatrical “Spoonful of Sugar,” a show that’s become a classic suitable for the entire family and an absolute treat that’s “Practically Perfect” in every way.   

In 1934 P. L. Travers’ first successful book, which eventually spawned a series of literary sequels, soon became a favorite among both children and their parents. Thirty years later, Ms. Travers reluctantly granted Walt Disney the rights for transforming her children’s novel into a much-loved film. In 2001 Disney Theatricals began the long process of turning their beloved movie into a live stage musical. They solicited Julian Fellowes, the author of the PBS series, “Downton Abbey,” to create a script for a stage version that would meld the darkness of the books with the sunny attitude of the movie. They also brought back the Sherman brothers (whose delightful score added so much to the original film), along with new composer/lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, to fully musicalize the piece. Famed English director Richard Eyre and co-director/choreographer Matthew Bourne were brought in to bring the new musical to life, whereupon “Mary Poppins” opened in London’s West End in 2004, after several regional tryouts. Upon receiving two Olivier Awards, the show transferred to Broadway in 2006 and, two Tony Awards later, began a very successful National Tour.

The musical has become a favorite with regional and educational theatres around the world. Beautifully directed and choreographed by Tony Award-nominated Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Drury Lane’s production surpasses every expectation with an exquisite new version. The show features a gorgeous, literary-inspired scenic design, lovingly  created by the mega talented Kevin Depinet. It’s lushly lit by Paul Miller and provides an extraordinary backdrop for Kevan Loney’s magical moving projections. Framed by boughs of cherry blossoms, the look of this production is totally eye-popping. Adding to the visuals, Robin L. McGee’s resplendent Edwardian costumes, enhanced by stylish wigs and hair designs by Claire Moores, brings it altogether. 

A powerful ensemble of vocal work comes courtesy of superb musical direction by Roberta Duchak. Chris Sargent, on keyboard, masterfully conducts the show’s brilliant, eight-piece pit orchestra, making the score take wing. Ms. Dodge’s directorial guidance is not only emotionally powerful but keeps the production moving along, from scene to scene. Her choreographic know-how transforms all 25 of her actors into true, Music Hall hoofers. But what makes this “Mary Poppins” especially wondrous is how Ms. Dodge has given the show a fresh, new look. She’s directed her production, as if seen through the eyes of a child, employing giant books and oversized pages from the novel to create the story’s architecture, while embracing the entire musical with a youthful heart.

Emilie Lynn, who returns to Drury Lane after playing Fantine in “Les Miserables,” was born to play this role. Somewhat resembling a young Julie Andrews, and with the same, crystal clear voice, Ms. Lynn doesn’t simply play Mary Poppins—she IS Mary Poppins. She portrays the stern, but wise and kindly nanny with a hidden smile, knowing well that a certain amount of discipline, along with a spoonful of sugar, really does help the medicine go down. Whether teaching young Jane and Michael Banks how to appreciate the world beyond what they see or helping Mr. and Mrs. Banks understand how to become better parents, Ms. Lynn is terrific. She not only dances and sings like a songbird but flies like one, too! She’s matched step-for-step and note-for-note by guest artist James T. Lane’s sensational Bert. Mr. Lane’s rendition of “Chim Chim Cher-ee” touches the heart; and his aerial ballet during “Step in Time” thrills the senses. Lane further enchants in “Jolly Holiday,” another charming production number with Ms. Lynn, and the entire company, that’s unforgettable. These two actors create a magical duo that area audiences will not soon forget. Like Ms. Lynn, Mr. Lane was born to play this part.

Recently appearing in Drury Lane’s “The Color Purple, powerful actress and lovely songstress Alexis J. Roston plays a no-nonsense Winifred Banks. The always sensational Matt Crowle, who has previously played Bert at another theatre, is terrific as George Banks. These two talented actors portray a pair of busy adults, trying to simply balance their daily responsibilities while raising their two spirited children. With their nanny’s help, they journey together toward becoming loving and caring parents who value and love each other. Ultimately, Mary Poppins teaches the Banks that they actually no longer need the services of a governess. Both talented actors also happen to be a couple of Chicago’s most accomplished musical talents, which is the icing on the cake. 

The magnificent Catherine Smitko, recently so heartbreaking in American Blues’ production of “The Spitfire Grill,” is hilarious as the Banks’ befuddled housekeeper, Mrs. Brill. The actress is equally touching and musically impressive as the poor, street woman who “Feeds the Birds.” Mrs. Brill’s earnest, yet bumbling domestic helper, Robertson Ay, is played by one of Chicago’s most versatile theatrical treasures, the brilliant Sawyer Smith. This gifted dancer also appears later as a vengeful doll named Valentine. 

Holly Stauder plays Miss Andrew, the tyrannical Holy Terror, with obvious glee. She returns to the Banks household after Mary Poppins leaves; and because she’s reared so many of the adults in this story, Miss Andrew strikes terror in everyone who hears her name. Harriet Nzinga Plumpp is feisty and funny as Mrs. Corry, the proprietor of a magic sweet shop. She inspires one of the show’s best ensemble numbers, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” And, on opening night, Jane and Michael Banks, the children around whom this story revolves, are delightfully portrayed by Grier Burke and Sebastian Merlo (the roles are played by Nicole Scimeca and Hunter Dimailig at alternate performances).

This is a stellar, creatively impressive production of a beloved Disney classic that all of Chicagoland will be lining up to see. It surpasses all expectations, in an inventive, literary-inspired  production, directed and choreographed to perfection by Marcia Milgrom Dodge. She’s created a show filled with striking spectacle, magical musical numbers and overflowing with heart and humanity. An array of talented artists, both on and off the stage, are the soul of this presentation. Besides being an entertainment for the entire family, “that Poppins woman” reminds theatergoers of some very important life lessons, as well. Drury Lane Theatre has, once again, outdone itself, mounting a stunning holiday stocking stuffed to the brim with joy and love that’s practically perfect in every way.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 15-January 19 at the Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane Drive, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling  630-530-0111 or TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.