Review: 'Mary Poppins' by the Warner Stage Company

©2017 The Warner Theatre Photo Credit: Mandi Martini

“First of all, I would like to make one thing clear: I never explain anything.” - Mary Poppins

Torrington, CT - ‘Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical’ is of course based upon the beloved 1964 Disney movie ‘Mary Poppins’ starring Julie Andrews and Dick VanDyke.The musical version opened on Broadway in 2006 and garnered seven Tony nominations. A massive production of the Broadway version opened on the Warner stage this weekend to packed houses filled with lots of children and slightly older patrons who remembered the movie that they loved as a child.

Richard McKenna, who has literally grown up on the Warner stage, directs this most magical and huge musical because he has never been afraid of taking on a challenge. In addition to the large number of exhausting dance numbers, hulking magical set pieces, and a huge cast, there is the little matter of flying characters. With the support of a fantastic crew, Mr. McKenna and the cast pull everything off seamlessly.

This stage musical of one of the most popular Disney movies of all time is not a direct adaptation of the film. It features both elements of the film and the original Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers, as well as original updated elements. Some elements of the movie, like the tea party of the ceiling and the carousel horserace, had to be removed for obvious reasons, but I will admit that I miss Winifred Banks being a suffragette, the wonderful maid Ellen, and even the dancing penguins. However, I especially enjoyed seeing a non-animated version of “Jolly Holiday” and the oversized “Step in Time” certainly did not disappoint. Some of the added elements are fun and the magic and flying delighted everyone in attendance on opening night.

©2017 The Warner Theatre Photo Credit: Mandi Martini

Certainly delightful are the performances of the impressively sized cast. Rebekah Derrick (who was so wonderful in the role of Mother in ‘Ragtime’ at the Warner) was not a “Practically Perfect” Mary Poppins; she actually was just perfect. Rick Fountain, who was Lumiere in last summer’s ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ was equally charming in the role of Bert. Katie Brunetto was amazing as the sweet shop owner Mrs. Corry and Amanda Forker made her Warner debut as a memorable Miss Andrew, the evil nanny to George Banks whose temperament explains a lot. High school math teacher Sybil Chamberlin returned to the Warner stage as Winifred Banks and high school English teacher Eric Lindblom played her husband George. Pixie Luurtsema made her stage debut as Willoughby the dog in the arms of Ashley McLeod as the colorful Miss Lark.

Geoff Ruckdeschel appeared as the park keeper, as well as a great featured dancer and ensemble member. Gabriel Garcia played the statue Neleus. Fifth grader Brendan Harris and seventh grader Bethany Rocktaschel played the naughty Michael and Jane Banks. L. Nagle sang beautifully as the Bird Woman. Becky Sawicki as housekeeper Mrs. Brill and Michael Newman as houseboy Robertson Ay almost stole every scene in which they appeared.

That massive set brought us back to England in 1910 but the running crew deserves a medal for all the work they had to do with it. Talk about “Precision and Order!” The costumes designed by Renee C. Purdy and Aurora Montenero insured that every character was dressed to perfection. James Luurtsema was the busy music director and conducted the wonderful orchestra that brought the extensive score to musical life; he was assisted by rehearsal pianist Beckie Wallace. Six pit singers filled out the vocals. Sharon A. Wilcox did the cheery choreography and Ryan Stanger was the Foy Flight Director in charge of making actors fly perfectly.

‘Mary Poppins’ is a fun jaunt down memory lane for those of us that remember the film. “Step in Time” to “Cherry Tree Lane” at the Warner and allow someone younger to enjoy this wonderful production with you.

The Warner Stage Company’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical’ features original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, book by Julian Fellowes with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Remaining shows are Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 at 8:00pm and Aug. 6 at 2:00pm on the mainstage at the Warner Theatre. Click for ticket information.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417