BWW Interviews: MARY POPPINS' Caroline Sheen

Caroline Sheen, who played Mary Poppins in the original UK tour of the hit show, is currently reprising her role as the pitch-perfect nanny. She is starring in the show's North American tour, which opened to rave reviews in Denver, CO. Original London and Broadway star, Gavin Lee, is reprising his role as Bert, the chimney sweep.

Sheen, no stranger to the stage, has created the roles of Jennifer Gabriel in the World Premiere of The Witches Of Eastwick and Clara Johnson in the European Premiere of The Light in the Piazza. Other leading lady credits include Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sandy in Grease, Eponine in Les Miserables, and Florinda in Into The Woods.

Sheen recently released her debut album, "Raise the Curtain," which features twelve songs by leading British and American musical theatre writers and a bonus track duet with husband Michael Jibsen.

Entertainment reporter Nick Orlando had a chance to ask Sheen about her role in the popular show, life on tour, and her new album.

How is it working with Gavin Lee? I saw Gavin in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins.

Working with Gavin is amazing. I saw him playing the role back in their out of town tryout in Bristol, and I can't quite believe he still gives so much amazing energy on stage. He is a lot taller than my UK Bert (Daniel Crossley) so that took a lot of getting used to - I had a crick in my neck for a while, but it's all good now!!

Did you see the original film?

I did indeed. I pretty much know it all by heart. My mother used to vacuum around me while I listened to the soundtrack on headphones at the age of about 3! She liked it because it kept me safe and out of her way! I grew up with Mary Poppins and I can't really remember a time when I didn't know it. It's an important part of most people's childhoods and it's a joy to be carrying the torch for it in 2010.

What is your favorite part in the musical?

There are so many moments I love in the show. I love flying, I love battling with Miss Andrew and I love "Step in Time," but I think my favorite moment is probably "Feed the Birds." It has a wonderful message about generosity and having respect and consideration for other people and especially those worse off than ourselves. The set we have for it is beautiful and makes me feel at home as it is a really accurate depiction of St Paul's Cathedral.

How much time is spent learning the letters for "Supercal"?

When I started rehearsals for the UK Tour it was literally one of the first things we did on our first day. Our wonderful tour choreographer, Geoff Garrat, puts the letters up above the mirror and we go along the mirror learning it. Even the most experienced dancers found it hard as it isn't anything you learn in college! The hardest thing was when the curtains were drawn across the mirror and the letters came down. That was tricky. Now, it is best not to think about it too hard as it is in our muscle memory and thinking too much will probably make us go wrong!

Which cities will you be traveling to on the tour?

I am travelling all over the country. Our next stop is Cincinnati; followed by Atlanta, Florida, and DC over the summer, then on to loads of other exciting places from there. I am having such fun visiting all these different places and learning more about the American way of life. Yesterday, I had my first corn dog and then smores. It was a big day!

How does the American audience differ from the British audience?

I have noticed they stand up a lot quicker over here during the bows. They are great and really responsive and supportive, but I have to say that the British audiences were too. I think it is something about the show that brings out everyone's inner child and they let go of their inhibitions for a while. It's a great thing to be a part of, especially when you see the looks on the faces of the audience old and young. It can sometimes be quite moving.

I read that it takes two and a half days to load the show into each new theatre, there are over 250 different props, the roof and nursery together weigh about 7,000 pounds. This must be hard on the crew. How is it for the cast?

Our crew works so hard, and we pick up an orchestra everywhere we go and they have to learn the whole show in three days! During those three days the cast does get a chance to chill out and take a bit of rest. I feel guilty now! They do an amazing job.

Your debut album, "Raise The Curtain," was released on February 1st. Can you tell us about the album?

I'm really proud of the album and it was a really exciting experience for me. I had a great time choosing the songs, once I had decided on the direction I wanted to take then the song choices came easily. I am very passionate about the future of musical theatre and wanted to do something more than just put my favorite audition songs on the record! So, I had the idea to use the album as a showcase for a lot of new writers, most of whom I know and have worked with. Hopefully, it argues a good case, that the future of musicals is safe in their hands! I have some great American composers on the album; Adam Guettel, Georgia Stitt, Jason Robert Brown and more, but I have also included some great new British talent as well, so hopefully an American audience will become aware of their talents too. Spreading the love from across the pond!

-----

The North American tour of Mary Poppins recently wrapped up in Denver. Next up, Sheen will be heading to Cincinnati from April 8th through the 25th. For more information on Mary Poppins, visit: www.MaryPoppins.com. Also, to learn more about Sheen or to purchase a copy of her album, check out: www.CarolineSheen.com.