Now on stage at the Springer Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque
“Welcome to comfort entertainment in Eastern Ontario cottage country. This Thousand Islands production of ‘Mary Poppins’ brings smiles galore to audience members of all ages.” Delightful, toe-tapping, sometimes a tad dark, this ‘Mary Poppins’ is worth a trip to 17 Cherry Tree Lane at the Springer Theatre.”
Step into the enchanting world of London, 1910. The charismatic chimney sweep Bert (Teddy Moynihan) breaks the fourth wall and serenades the audience with the unfolding tale. He introduces us to the Banks family: the stern yet loving Father George (Gaelan Beatty), the kind-hearted Mother Winifred (Brianne Tucker), and the mischievous children Jane (Emma Austin at this performance) and Michael (Ari Dubey at this performance).
Family dynamics are a cause for alarm in the Banks’ household. Jane and Michael are spoiled, uncontrollable children who run many nannies out of the house, most recently Katie Nana (Meghan Caine). George remains far too preoccupied with his job at the bank and rarely interacts with his children except in those moments he deems appropriate. Winifred’s responsibilities include raising the children, running the house, and hiring nannies, which proves to be fruitless due to the children’s behaviour.
Jane and Michael compile a reference list for the perfect nanny they would like to have. George tears up the notice, saying it’s impossible. He reminds Winnifred to hire a nanny while being cost-efficient. The ripped note is suddenly pieced back together. Magically, the ‘practically perfect’, yet very stern Mary Poppins (Alicia Barban) appears at the door to apply for the job as nanny. Instead of Winifred taking control and asking Mary questions, the tables turn, and Mary is the one in control.
The Banks family, initially bewildered by the enigmatic Poppins, soon find themselves charmed by her. Mary takes Jane and Michael on whimsical adventures with Bert, introducing them to a myriad of characters. By the story’s end, Mary’s influence has transformed the Banks family, rekindling their familial bond and offering a beacon of hope.
When I heard the musical was part of this year’s summer slate, I wondered if the Springer theatre was large enough to house the production. Stage Manager Loralie Pollard and her assistant Emlyn VanBruinswaardt allay that concern. They ensure that the backstage traffic never looks jammed. Along with beautifully capturing the grey drabness of the London streets circa 1910, Brandon Kleiman designs a multitude of settings suggested by objects and props that are either brought on and then whisked away by ensemble members with the utmost ease. No one gets in each other’s way during the scene changes. At times, I found myself with my jaw dropping as I watched the movement unfold.
Siobhán Sleath’s lighting design remarkably captures the sometimes-ghostly look of the era, from the gloom of the outside lamp lighting to the gas and electric lighting indoors. Robin Fisher’s costume designs are a production highlight for their extraordinarily realistic-looking colours, fabrics and textures.
The production team certainly has their work cut out to attain the lofty goal co-directors Brett Christopher and Stephanie Graham refer in their Programme Note:’ [the story] and indeed Mary Poppins herself, teach us the values of childhood wonder, of keeping our eyes and hearts open to the world around us, and of taking a moment from our busy lives to visit the park with our families to fly a kite.’ Quite a task Christopher and Graham, have set for themselves and the creative team, who must ensure that there is magic on the stage. There is, and it’s delightful to see. Mary pulls several large objects from her bag. I wanted to know if the audience would have the chance to see Mary fly. Suffice it to say we get to see her soar.
Stephanie and Brett deliver heartily what they promise in spades. I was a child again, and I was awed by the wonder of this story.
The Thousand Islands’ production is not a facsimile of the 1965 film on stage, thank goodness. Based on the books by author P. L. Travers, Graham and Christopher allow the dark and mysterious side of the story to surface now and then. The audience sees this near the end of Act One, where Bert and Mary discuss her plans to leave, having already made up her mind to do so. Bert wonders if Mary will return. This end-of-Act One plot twist adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
Graham (who also serves as choreographer), Christopher, and Music Director Patrick Bowman continue to make imaginative, logical and creative choices throughout the entire show while having great fun in playing up some of the darker elements of the Travers’ stories.
There’s suspense at the beginning. Music Director Patrick Bowman aptly underscores a sense of foreboding as Moynihan’s Bert refers to the wind in the east and a mist coming in that signifies something brewing and about to begin. Teddy Moynihan and Alicia Barban are charming and endearing as Bert and Mary. While Moynihan reveals an adorably cheeky and impish side of the chimney sweep, there’s a touch of mystic clairvoyance as well in what he predicts about who or what is coming to the Banks’ household. Like Moynihan, Barban’s Poppins is cheeky with a hint of sass when warranted. Barban’s Mary takes no guff from anyone.
What becomes refreshing in this performance is watching the chemistry between Moynihan and Barban. There are moments when one wonders if there is more going on in their relationship. The ‘Jolly Holiday’ musical number allows the audience to see something might be going on. As Mary contemplates leaving at the end of Act One, Barban places her hand on Moynihan’s knee, who allows it to remain there momentarily. As he reaches for Mary’s hand, Barban coyly pulls it back with a smile on her face. Moynihan has that same smile. Cheeky staging but very clever indeed.
Brianne Tucker is dutiful as Winifred Banks. While she knows her place as both wife and mother in British society at the time, Winifred also reveals that she is just as human as ‘Being Mrs. Banks.’ Gaelan Beatty is gruff and blusterous as patriarch George Banks. The musical number ‘Precision and Order’ accurately represents George’s work and personal ethics. Beatty reveals a quite humorous moment when Winifred hires her husband’s childhood nanny, Miss Andrew (Sarah Lynn Strange), also known as the Holy Terror. Strange delivers a poignant rendition of ‘Feed the Birds’ as the Bird Woman whom Michael and Jane meet and learn to look past the appearances of others who may not be as well off.
As the Banks children, Emma Austin and Ari Dubey show tremendous promise as they continue in their roles, respectively, as Jane and Michael. Memorable supporting characters include Astrid Atherley’s oddly puzzling Mrs. Corry, owner of the candy store. Atherley’s smile during ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ shows she’s having one hell of a good time singing. Powell Nobert’s Robertson Ay and Alyssa LeClair’s Mrs. Brill (houseboy and maid to the Banks family) are a terrific Laurel and Hardyish duo.
Several vocal numbers and accompanying choreography are noteworthy.
The tap dancing in ‘Step in Time’ is stellar. For those who have seen the New York or London productions, ‘Step in Time’ involves Bert tap dancing upside down across the proscenium arch. Although that feat does not occur here, choreographer Stephanie Graham cleverly accomplishes Moynihan’s awesome tap dancing across the London rooftops another way with plywood. ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and how the company spells the words out at one point again is tricky yet dexterously executed. The soft shoe footwork in ‘Jolly Holiday’ brought a big ol’ smile to my face once again.
Final Comment: This ‘Mary Poppins’ is excellent family fare this summer. Suggestion to parents of young ones who are old enough to watch films – if you have seen the Disney film, talk to your children first before they come to the theatre to let them know they may see a few different things on stage.
Running time: approximately two hours and 45 minutes with one interval/intermission.
The production runs until August 16 at the Springer Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque. For tickets: 1000islandsplayhouse.com or call the Box Office (613) 382-7020.
THOUSAND ISLANDS PLAYHOUSE presents ‘Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical’
Based on the stories of P. L. Travers and the Walt Disney film.
Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Book by Julian Fellowes. Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh
This production was co-directed by Stephanie Graham and Brett Christopher
Choreographed by Stephanie Graham
Music Direction by Patrick Bowman
Set Designer: Brandon Kleiman
Costume Designer: Robin Fisher
Lighting Designer: Siobhán Sleath
Sound Designer and Mixer: Bex Tralli
Stage Manager: Loralie Pollard
Performers: Astrid Atherly, Emma Austin, Alicia Barban, Gaelan Beatty, Hannah Burns, Meghan Caine, Benjamin Cameron, Naomi Costain, Ari Dubey, Tyler Everley, Kyle Golemba, Jackson Graham, Alyssa LeClair, Christopher Lucas, Teddy Moynihan, Powell Nobert, Elora Sarmiento, Sarah Lynn Strange, Diego Terán, Brianne Tucker, Stéphanie Visconti
