Chim Chiminey, Chim Chim Cher-ee
Winds in the east, there’s a mist coming in- and it has brought everyone’s favorite nanny Mary Poppins to West Palm Beach. Umbrella and all!
17 Cherry Tree Place is where it all begins. Mr. and Mrs. Banks are struggling to find the perfect nanny for their mischievous children, Jane and Michael. Soon, with a little help of magic, Mary Poppins (Madeline Trumble) drops in. Poppins takes the children on a whirlwind, enchanting adventure through a magical park, a word shop and over rooftops. Poppins meets her old friend, chimney sweeper Burt (Con O’ Shea-Creal), during her outing with the children. Lessons about sharing, responsibility, following one's dreams and love are learned along the way.
The musical Mary Poppins is based on both the stories of P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh have joined forces to create a tour de force production that guarantees a big smile on your face. Anytime you have Disney attached to a product, you can be assured that it will be high caliber material. Disney surely knows how to entertain and they succeed beyond expectations with Mary Poppins.
The young and the young at heart will enjoy every moment of Mary Poppins. Everything, from the vocals to the orchestration to the splendid costuming, is in top notch. The colorful, pop-up book like scenery adds a rich, charmed, 3D sensation to the musical.
All of the classic songs from the movie are still intact. Jolly Holiday, A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifraglisticexpialidocious, and Step in Time were all magnificent showstoppers that got complete ovations. Some new songs, including Playing the Game and Anything Can Happen adds to the magic and wonder of the story. Watch out for some special theatrical effects that take place during the show.
There are no dark moments during this musical. Mary Poppins is simply an old-fashioned, colorful, joyous celebration that is practically perfect in every way. Children will view the show with wide eyes and wonder. Adults can be kids again and not be judged. It is a show that we all need… especially with everything that is going on in the world these days. One can forget about life for three hours and live in the moment. You will be brimming from ear to ear as you walk out of the theater.
Some of the central conflicts (loss of a job, the struggle of being confined to a role) of this story might go over a younger child’s head. However, they will learn and appreciate the moral lessons which include responsibility, sharing, following rules and being kind to others. There is also an ongoing theme of always loving one's family, no matter what. One child in the audience turned to her mom toward the conclusion of this show and said, “I love you mommy.” That is the profound effect that this show has on children. The musical does have an almost three hour run time, so be sure to let your small child move around during the intermission.
You are guaranteed a jolly good time at Mary Poppins. This is surely one warm-hearted, adventure you do not want to miss. This supercalifragilisticexpiadlidocious of a production is playing at the Raymond F. Kravis Center now through February 3rd. Be sure to visit kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 to purchase your tickets before they sell out.
Mary Poppins will have you shouting from your rooftop with joy!
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