Mary Poppins flies into the Fabulous Fox Theatre

Courtesy of  Disney/CML. Photo by Joan Marcus 

Mary Poppins flew into the Fabulous Fox, Friday, April 30, 2010, for a 15-day engagement. This is the perfect musical for the entire family to enjoy, while teaching valuable lessons to children and parents. It has a little child psychology, a bit of sociology, Greek mythology, sprinkled with optimism, and plenty of imagination.

If you've seen Mary Poppins, the 1964 Disney film, there are memories that are etched in your mind. However, this stage musical is a delightful experience that will be forever remembered.

The curtain opens with master-of-all-trades, and chimney sweep Bert (Gavin Lee), introducing the storyline, and Jane and Michael Banks, two, cute, precocious but unruly siblings who have driven their current nanny to ruins, as she packs her bags and quits.  The children's mother, Winifred Banks (Blythe Wilson) who is a bit passive, and their father, George Banks, (Laird Mackintosh)  who has no time for his wife or children, leaves the daily operation of the home to his wife, including spirited cook, Mrs. Brill (Rachel Izen), and her clumsy helper, Robertson Ay (Dennis Moench). From out of the blue appears Mary Poppins (Caroline Sheen), who instead of being interviewed, conducts the interview and accepts the job of the children's nanny. The children learn valuable lessons, have fun and learn to appreciate everything, from toys, to their parents.

In between lessons learned there is plenty of fun, including meeting Greek mythological statue, Nelieus, son of Poisiden, and flying kites. Mary Poppins, the children and Bert visit Mrs. Corrie's shop for gingerbread, stars and a few letters for a lively, colorful conversation entitled,  Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. On the rooftop with Bert, Mary, and the children, appear chimney sweeps from the town who Step In Time, with tap timesteps, and Bert performing feats that defy human capabilities, and leave the audience amazed.

Mary Poppins is not without conflict. Miss. Andrew, who was once nanny to Mr. Banks arrives to "take care" of the children. After her brief stay, it is easily understood why Mr. Banks' is emotionally detached from his family. The question is, does Mr. Banks find his inner-child, and change before it's too late? Do the children learn to appreciate and do what is expected of them? Will Mary Poppins help fix this family before she flies off on her umbrella, into the clouds?

Mary Poppins is Practically Perfect, with original songs, and brand-new toe tapping tunes that will surely become family favorites.

Mary Poppins will be at the Fabulous Fox Theatre until May 16. Tickets are available at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, or Ticketmaster.

Special Announcement 
"In honor of the Mary Poppins, Broadway Across America – Atlanta is throwing a fun-filled family event at The Fox Theatre on Sunday, May 2. Hosted by Radio Disney AM 590 Atlanta, the Kids Night on Broadway celebration will take place in the Egyptian Ballroom from 5-6 p.m.  There will be cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts, a prize wheel and ice cream sundaes during the FREE event.  Plus, the four actors who alternate the roles of Jane and Michael Banks in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” will stop by to sign autographs.  To sweeten the deal, there will also be a special BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE ticket deal for the 6:30 p.m. performance of “Mary Poppins” that evening."