MARY POPPINS Delights at Waterville Opera House

A full house of children and adults greeted the Disney musical Mary Poppins with exuberant delight at the historic Waterville Opera House this weekend. And, indeed, the elaborate production of the familiar classic had many pleasures to offer.

Directed by Debra Susi with choreography by Adam P. Blais, the staging was lively and the dancing serviceable, sometimes sparkling, while the moments of flight (facilitated by Foy) elicited the appropriate gasps and applause. The atmospheric production, despite slowing the action in the scene changes on several occasions, boasted a painted drop set with moveable furniture units and a colorful, magical lighting design by Chad Lefebvre, who created the storybook palette in pastel pinks, greens, blues, and lavenders. Travis M. Grant supplied the lavish, elegantly designed and detailed costumes, and Jayson Murray insured a well-balanced acoustic with his sound design.

Some significant intonation problems with the ten-musician orchestra under the direction of Michael Peterson were compensated for by the strong vocal performances of the entire cast. In the title role Kristen Thomas was the highlight of the evening, demonstrating a well-schooled soprano of considerable range and flexibility, note-perfect British diction, and just the right combination of starchy primness, steely backbone, and maternal tenderness. Nick Cloutier proved to be an admirable Bert - jaunty, colorful, strongly sung and thoroughly engaging in his big dance number, "Step in Time" which included some aerial feats.

Chad Boothman ably convinced the audience of Mr. Banks' transformative change of heart that is at the core of the play and sang with a rich baritone. Valerie Glueck made an equally effective vocal impression as his retiring wife Winifred and brought an elegant dignity to the part. At the Saturday evening performance Jane and Michael Banks were played with charm and confidence by Katie Boston and Brady Gardner.

In the large, accomplished ensemble other notable performances were given by Nancy Carbone as a wistful Bird Woman, Jeralyn Shatluck as a feisty Mrs. Brill, Tim Croce as a bumbling Robertson Ay, Birdie Newman Katz as an intimidating, larger-than-life Miss Andrew, and Jacob Coombs as a lithe statue come to life, Neleus.

As the enthusiastic audience joined the revelry, clapping and stomping to the company curtain call, one could feel the palpable pleasure this endearing classic holds. Kudos to the company for an animated evening!

Photos courtesy Waterville Opera House

Mary Poppins runs from April 8-a7, 2016 at the Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St., Waterville, ME www.operahouse.org 207-873-7000.

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