Waldorf-Astoria Hosts 'Mary Poppins'-Inspired Tea Parties

The historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel has worked with Disney on Broadway to present the Mary Poppins-themed Practically Perfect Tea on Saturday afternoons now through December 1. 

Parents and children alike can delight in Disney magic during this new, entertaining and playful afternoon tea party that takes its inspiration from Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's hit Broadway musical, Mary Poppins.  The Practically Perfect Tea will include sing-a-longs to songs from the musical as well as Mary Poppins-themed cookies and treats, specialty teas and gift bags.  Practically Perfect Tea will be offered each Saturday from October 13 through December 1, 2007 at the hotel's elegantly refurbished Cocktail Terrace, from 1PM-3PM.

Each Practically Perfect Tea will include a variety of activities for audiences of all ages:  in addition to receiving lessons in proper tea etiquette, guests will be invited to sing along with a pianist to such beloved songs as "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Feed The Birds," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and, of course, "Practically Perfect;" dress-up accessories will be provided to the smallest guests upon arrival so that they can let their theatrical imaginations soar; creative culinary skills will be put to the test at elaborate "Spoonful of Sugar" cookie decorating stations, where treats created in Mary Poppins-themed shapes can be adorned with colorful toppings and frostings.  A special tea featured as Mary Poppins' "tea of choice" will be served in addition to extensive tea and hot chocolate menus and other beverages.

Each guest attending Practically Perfect Tea will receive a Mary Poppins-themed gift bag, plus take-home tea etiquette tips to help guests practice "high tea" long after his or her Practically Perfect Tea experience ends.

Pricing for Practically Perfect Tea starts at $22 per child and $35 for adults.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 212-872-1275.  Tickets to Mary Poppins, the Broadway musical, are sold separately.

Mary Poppins is a co-production by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh and soon celebrates its first anniversary on Broadway.  Based on P.L. Travers's cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.  The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Tickets for Mary Poppins are available at www.DisneyOnBroadway.com, the New Amsterdam Theatre Box Office, or by calling Ticketmaster's Disney on Broadway hotline at (212) 307-4747.  Prices range from $25 - $120.  For group sales and information please call (800) 439-9000.