BWW Reviews: MARY POPPINS at The Patchogue Theatre

One thing is sure; Mary Poppins remains one of the most popular tales to this day. The iconic story's Tony Award winning musical adaptation is having its Long Island premier at the beautiful Patchogue Theatre running through July 19th.

When attending the staged version - Patchogue's incarnation wonderfully directed by Shaun Kerrison - you will see that it does not completely mirror the familiar 1964 movie at several points. In typical fashion, things are added/taken out/expanded/moved around. Let me tell you, though, that the talented cast gets everything right. For example, for the stage version (Julian Fellow's book), they expanded the role of Mrs. Banks and took out a performance from Mr. Banks that is familiar in the movie. Also hinted is a relationship between Mary and Bert of which there is no indication in the movie.

Superbly leading as the title character is Gail Bennett who has performed the role over 100 times on the national tour and regional premier. Ms. Bennett is a very sassy Mary Poppins and at times very haughty. The story, based loosely on P. L. Travers' book series of the same name, follows Mary as she is employed as a nanny by the Banks family but ends up helping them become a closer unit.

Tony Mansker portrays Bert, a jack-of-all trades, who has known Mary for quite some time. Mr. Mansker and Ms. Bennett are a fantastic team having many performances together in the Sherman brothers (with additional songs, music, and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe) score. Having portrayed Bert in the Broadway production, he is well received by audience. A rousing round of applause abounds particularly for his "Step in Time" number as he performs a fun tap dance sequence along the ceiling of the stage.

Also a highlight is the children in the show. Alison Cordaro and Nolan Lyons portray the mischievous but well-meaning Jane and Michael Banks. They are in many of the numbers and were impressively on point throughout the show. Additionally, Kristen Beth Williams is excellent as Mrs. Banks. Interestingly, the creators of the musical expanded Mrs. Banks role from what we see in the movie. One of her performances, "Being Mrs. Banks", is heartbreaking telling about the difficulties of her marriage to an overbearing husband.

In one of the more elaborate sets, scenic designer Christine Peters admirably delivers. The moveable pieces and flying sequences are enhanced by Kim Hanson's lighting and Don Hanna's splendid sound design. Additionally, Rachel Berchtold's costumes well adhere to the movie. There is also a delightful orchestra lead by Musical Director Jonathan Parks.

It is no surprise, really, that Mary Poppins is ideally achieved at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. While some have argued that the material is not "practically perfect", my advice would be to see this production "spit spot" as a top notch cast and creative team make for a delightful night of theatre.

Disney's Mary Poppins is presented by The Gateway theatre company at the Patchogue Theatre For The Performing arts through July 19th. Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, Original Music & Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman, Book by Julian Fellows, Additional songs, music, and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh, Directed by Shaun Kerrison, Musical Direction by Jonathan Parks, Choreography by Lisa Stevens, Costume Design by Rachel Berchtold, Scenic Design by Christine Peters, Lighting Design by Kim Hanson. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 286-1133 or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.com.

Photo by Jeff Bellante

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