Review: MARY POPPINS IS IN THE HOUSE AT THE WALNUT

The story line remains the same as the prim and proper Banks household is rifling through nannies on Cherry Tree Lane faster than one can say "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". When Mary Poppins and her parrot handled umbrella drop from the sky, the world becomes a 'Jolly Holiday' for the Banks children much to the chagrin of Mr. Banks who has forgotten how to love his family, feed the birds or fly a kite.

The musical is based on the stories of author P.L. Travers and the 1964 classic Walt Disney film and book by Julian Fellowes. The focus on this and other Poppins staged productions is on creating more of a flashy theatrical event than a charming story. The kids will probably be okay with this, though the radiant spirit of the film has been muted. There are certain elements of simplicity and magic from the beloved and award winning film that are missed in the Walnut's production and in fact all the staged productions that I've seen including the Broadway and touring shows.

Mary Poppins famous introductory flight to the Banks home is replaced by a sudden appearance in the living room. The Jolly Holiday scenes which include the runaway carousel horses, the penguin luncheon with Bert & Mary are also not included. The nursery toys magically cleaning themselves back into their cubbies never happens either; obvious production choices. Perhaps it is difficult for some to leave the film behind. But one might conclude that these elements were some of the reasons the multi -nominated Oscar winning sets and scenes were recognized in 1965. Much to the Walnut's set and staging crew credit are the very impressive large sets, which I can only assume is the reason all of the flying, yes there is flying, is done high up behind the sets.

A stellar company brings down the house with super charged renditions of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Step in Time". Most of the beloved award winning songs "Chim Chim Cher-ree", "Spoonful of Sugar", "Feed the Birds", and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" are present with new additional songs and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. However, some of the added songs do little to enhance the "practically perfect" original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert Sherman and more an attempt to musically explore the emotions of a troubled family. Wait, isn't this a story about a flying nanny and a child's imagination!

The principle cast is first-rate for the most part. Lindsey Bliven and David Elder lead the company as Mary Poppins and Bert, the charming chimney sweep. Bliven captures the proper character of Poppins quite well and her vocals are sweetly yet thinly sung, while she barely lukewarmly connects with Bert or the children. However Elder's performance makes it easy to forget that Dick Van Dyke is the only actor who can play Bert convincingly. Mr.& Mrs. Banks are played in correct character by the talented and popular Jeffrey Coon & Rebecca Robbins. The charming Banks children Jane (Cameron Flurry) and Michael (Jacob Wilner) are well rehearsed no doubt, but unfortunately their sweet little Cockney accents prevent them from being easily understood through much of the show. Miss Andrew, Mr. Banks dreaded childhood nanny played by the multi talented Deborah Jean Templin is clearly directed to be a nightmarish role. Templin doubles as the Bird Woman who is almost as startling and projects a scant amount of compassion to one of the more endearing songs in the show "Feed the Birds". Philadelphia favorite Mary Martello adds the much needed hilarity to her role as the domestic Mrs. Brill.

Young and old will be dazzled by the clever sets designed by J Branson and costumes by George T. Mitchell, lighting by Paul Black and spit- spot spectacular choreography by Linda Goodrich. This is sure to be a Holiday hit.

MARY POPPINS plays at the Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia, Pa through January 4 2015. For Tickets and Information visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org or call 215.574.3550

Icon Photo : Rebecca Robbins (Mrs. Banks), Jeffrey Coon (Mr. Banks) , Cameron Flurry (Jane), Jacob Wilner (Michael), Lindsey Bliven (Mary Poppins)
Photo #1 Cameron Flurry, David Elder, Lindsey Bliven, Jacob Wilner and Ensemble
Photo # 2 Lindsey Bliven and Company
Photos by Mark Garvin.

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