Cappies Review: Flint Hill School Play 'Mary Poppins'

Photo from left to right: Mohammed Badawi, Whitney McDonnell, Claire Briggs, Liliana Suzuki

Review by Vanessa Rivera of Oakton High School

OAKTON, VA -- It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... Mary Poppins-- a production of Mary Poppins at Flint Hill School to be exact! Grab your coat and umbrella, because it's time for a stroll down Cherry Tree Lane.

A musical marriage of the children's books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins has become a household name. With original music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, script by Julian Fellowes, and additional adaptations by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical ran on Broadway for 2,619 performances from November of 2006 to March of 2013.

The plot revolves around Jane Banks, a thoughtless, short-tempered, and untidy girl, and her brother Michael Banks, a mischievous and troublesome little boy. The devious children displease their stern father and anxious mother by struggling to keep a nanny. To the Banks' surprise, a practically perfect caretaker comes falling, or rather flying, from the sky. Using games and walks in the park, magical Mary Poppins teaches the children there are more important things than toys and money: family and love.

Henry Jeanneret, a standout actor, swept the show away by bringing his character, Bert, to life. The jack of all trades upheld a convincing British accent alongside unfaltering vocal proficiency, which were notably showcased during the opening, "Prologue". Jeanneret's lighthearted visual expressions led to an energetic portrayal, an inarguable anchor of the show. Bert's connection to Mary Poppins (Olivia Hernandez) demonstrated their genuine history and deep friendship. Hernandez herself stepped into her confidently poised character with ease, evident in the number "Practically Perfect".

The mischievous duo of Jane (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael Banks (Liliana Suzuki) continually expedited the necessary naivete. Regardless of where each scene's focus was, McDonnell steadily evaluated her surroundings. Her never ending facial expressions of pouts and smiles stayed true to her character's childish disposition.

The audience bellowed with laughter during the endearingly hilarious breakdown of Robertson Ay (Mohammed Badawi). Other than losing his marbles, Badawi's comedic timing shined. One of the production's countless gems, Bird Woman (Kamryn Olds), sold crumbs in "Feed the Birds" while effortlessly singing beautifully. Ultimately, the most impressionable aspect of the show was the creativity and versatility of the given space. During "Step and Time", fellow ensemble members lifted Bert, giving the illusion of his walking upside down. Similarly, each scene change involved the engaging and lucky chimney sweeps. With swift, dancing feet they pieced together every new set.

Through high energy, vocal talent, and comedic timing, Flint Hill School created a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious viewing of Mary Poppins.

Photo by Matthew Hermerding