BWW Reviews: MARY POPPINS’ Magic Connects at Bass Concert Hall in Austin

This week has a great show playing at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas. MARY POPPINS takes the stage and it is non-stop entertainment. The basic plot of the show is still the same as the original Disney movie with music by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman but changed a few things and added songs to make it work for the stage. The new songs were written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and fit in seamlessly with the original.
Rachel Wallace was delightful as MARY POPPINS and her voice was amazing. She was the subject of a recent interview where she shared the pleasure of playing such a part. As she performed onstage, she was flawless in her delivery. Rachel became MARY POPPINS. You felt as she felt and you connected as she connected. As she sang “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (which incidentally is in the Microsoft Office Dictionary) with the cast, her energy was felt by all and her voice was spot on.

The other main character, Bert, was played by Case Dillard and he too was equally remarkable. He is a fantastic dancer and showed off his years of experience playing the role of Bert. “Step in Time” was choreographed impeccably and executed with ease by Case and the rest of the Chimney Sweeps. But, Case stole the show when he danced up the wall and onto the ceiling (a feat and one you shouldn’t miss).

Jane and Michael Banks were played by Cherish Myers and Zach Timson and their voices blended well as they sang with Rachel Wallace. They shared the energy with the rest of the cast and made you fall in love with the children.

Another actress, Q. Smith was amazing as she played both the role of the Bird Woman and Miss Andrew. She easily transformed from as sweet lady as the Bird Woman to a cold, heartless nanny as Miss Andrew. Her talents were prevalent as she sang “Feed the Birds” with strength and feeling. And as she transitioned to Miss Andrew, she sang “Brimstone and Treacle” with wickedness and coldness.

There was magic in the air and onstage as MARY POPPINS shared her unique ability to help the children. There were some special effects that made the audience gasp and wonder how it was done. It can only be explained by saying that it was MARY POPPINS’ magic that made it work. You have to see it for yourself to believe it. MARY POPPINS continues through Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin. Tickets can be obtained by going to the Texas Performing Arts website.

Photo credit:  Deen Van Meer

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