BWW Reviews: The East Coast Regional Premiere of MARY POPPINS at Maine State Music Theatre is Magic

There's something very special about a story that can instantly make people of any age feel like a child again. Sometimes in the hustle bustle of today's world with so many "adult" problems, adults forget what it's like to have been a child. MARY POPPINS has been just that kind of story for children of all ages for years, and Maine State Music Theatre's current production of MARY POPPINS will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

Though P.L. Travers' stories of MARY POPPINS were popular in their own right, it wasn't until she reluctantly released the rights for her heroin to be put on the silver screen that her stories became known the world over. The unforgettable 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke has become a mainstay of Disney fans, children, adults and everyone in between for many years. The iconic images of Ms. Andrews flying through the air with flexed feet and umbrella in hand and Mr. Van Dyke's soot-covered face have left an indelible mark on film, and certainly in the hearts of many. As is oft the trend (especially with Disney these days) the next logical thing to do was to adapt the movie into a musical. However, Ms. Travers was unwilling to give her blessing to an American creative team, so the musical was handled by an all British team, premiering in London's West End in 2004. It wasn't long before it made the jump across the pond and premiered on Broadway in 2006. It ran for nearly 7 years on the Great White Way, and enjoyed great success with it's 1st national tour, as well as touring productions in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and even a Spanish-language version still playing in Mexico City. The rights became available to regional theatres only recently, and Maine State Music Theatre is one of the first theatres in the country to be able to mount the challenging show; and boy, will you be glad they are.

Mark Robin is once again at the helm of this larger than life production as director/choreographer (having taken the reins on MSMT's productions of Dreamgirls and Les Miserables earlier this season) and once again his talents are on display in dazzling fashion. Whether it be his gift for getting exceptional acting performances from every actor on stage or his jaw-dropping, show-stopping choreography in "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Step In Time", it is easy to see why Mr. Robin is an artist in demand. Rarely will you see talent of his caliber in this region, and when you have the opportunity to see it, you must.

Charles S. Kading's scenic design is so amazing that it blows the rest of MSMT's sets this season right out of the water (not an easy feat). Whether it be the realism of the Banks' home, the gorgeous drops that take the audience to the park to fly a kite or the rooftops of London, Mr. Kading brings the storybook majesty of the beloved story to the stage with wonderful colors and striking realism. Brian Hapcic's lighting lives in the same colorful world as the set and compliments every scene change, every location and every magical moment with stunning accuracy. Kurt Alger has truly outdone himself with his costumes and wigs for MARY POPPINS. The colors and materials seem to burst out of the audience's imaginations and onto the stage to create a world that is almost too good to be true.

Maine State Music Theatre's audiences got a glimpse of Lauren Blackman's (Mary Poppins) talents last season in Sunset Boulevard and Legally Blonde, but I'm not sure anything could prepare them for the majestic brilliance in which she inhabits this role. Her voice is smoother than silk, soothing, gorgeous, effortless and evokes thoughts of the originator of the role, Ms. Julie Andrews. But, never imitating or copying anything that Ms. Andrews or anyone else has done with the flying nanny, Ms. Blackman makes this role her own. With biting wit, grace and wonderful dancing to boot, she is everything you could possibly want in Mary Poppins. She was visibly moved during her curtain call, and it's that type of reaction that marks an actress who is not only serious about her craft but humble and inspiring. And the audience's affection only matched what she gave them in her performance. Her companion for most of the show, Tyler Hanes as Bert is equally as breathtaking. His graceful and magic-making gestures take us from scene to scene; his voice is pure, clear and gorgeous as always. And if you were lucky enough to see Mr. Hanes as Tulsa in Gypsy at MSMT you only saw an OUNCE of this performer's dancing ability. He glides across stage with ease in every scene, and though he may be as loveable as Mr. Van Dyke, I dare say he adds even more depth and grace to the role. It's no wonder Mary Poppins is enamored of him, nor that he seems to know everyone in London. His charm and talent are only matched and complimented by Ms. Blackman, making them an amazing on-stage pair.

The Banks Family is such a heartwarming delight on stage, it's hard to imagine they aren't really related. Jeffrey Coon as Mr. Banks is stern and cold at first, and so convincing is he that it's when he finally realizes his folly in the 2nd act that you are truly amazed by his transformation. The good kind man is but a shimmer beneath until he can see life through the eyes of his children, and when he finally comes around there was not a dry eye in the house. Heidi Kettenring as his wife Winifred Banks brings her versatility to the stage in a heartwarming and equally heartbreaking portrayal of a woman who is merely trying to do what's best for her family. Her voice floats with ease above the audience, and her motherly good intentions are expertly brought forth by this gifted actress (it's hard to believe that just a few days prior, she was playing Electra in Gypsy; thus, her stunning versatility). Their children Jane (Sophie Calderwood) and Michael (Alec Shiman) are the mischievous yet adorable members of the family that will make you fall in love with them as soon as they walk on stage. It's quite an accomplishment for two young performers to hold their own next to so many adults, but this pair clearly has a long, bright future in the theatre.

Janelle A. Robinson makes her MSMT debut in MARY POPPINS. She is absolutely lovely as Mrs. Corry and downright despicable as Miss Andrew; her vocal ability is something to be reckoned with, as her voice soars and does veritable acrobatics throughout her villainous "Brimstone and Treacle". The "holy terror' nanny that brought up Mr. Banks comes to life in her wonderful portrayal, so much so that you can almost taste the cod liver oil she doles out to the children. Funny, foppish and delightful are Susan Cella as Mrs. Brill and Chuck Ragsdale as Robertson Ay. David Girolmo (Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman) shows HIS versatility and comedic mastery after wowing audiences at MSMT this summer (Bishop of Digne, Les Miserables; Herbie in Gypsy). And, I defy any audience member who does not get tearful at Charis Leos' (Katie Nanna/Bird Woman) gorgeous rendition of "Feed The Birds"; yet another MSMT favorite showing her versatility and depth of talent (Ms. Leos' recently wowed audiences with her masterful portrayal of Madame Rose in Gypsy at MSMT). Creating the vivacious world around these wonderful characters are the more than capable ensemble: Joe Becherer, Michael Biren, Michaela K. Boissonneault, Katherine S. Boston, Steve Calzaretta, Mary Beth Donahoe, Missy Dowse, Joseph Fierberg, Laurel Haitoff, Cary Michelle Miller, Michael Notardonato, Buddy Reeder and Blake Stadnik.

MARY POPPINS at Maine State Music Theatre is a truly delightful and heartwarming show for all audiences, and is NOT one to be missed. Tickets are selling at an alarming rate, so for tickets or more information, please visit www.msmt.org.

Photo credit: Audra Hatch Photography

Pictured: Lauren Blackman as Mary Poppins, Jeffrey Coon as Mr. Banks and Heidi Kettenring as Winifred Banks

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