The cast of WaterTower Theatre’s ‘Mary Poppins.’ (Photo by Paris Marie Productions)
Addison welcomed the arrival of Mary Poppins for a limited engagement at WaterTower Theatre. Friday’s opening night saw a sold-out crowd which was abuzz for the production that showcased the deft talents of the cast, crew and orchestra. The stage version, co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and playwright Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and based on the Disney film and P.L. Travers’ books offered a fresh take on the beloved story that still paid a nice homage to the film.
Co-creator Cameron Mackintosh and story by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) offer a stage version that wasn’t a carbon copy of the movie that so many people grew up with, but a fresh take on that story with new songs by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles.
John De Los Santos directed the show with a lovely touch. The cast seemed relaxed into their roles and brought their familiar characters to life wholeheartedly. De Los Santos gave the show an immersive effect with actors performing and entering from the audience.
As the titular character, Jocelyn Hansen was lovely to watch as the prim governess who had a magical touch. Her Mary felt very much her own, but at the same time, would have made a certain Miss Andrews proud. Her singing was always strong, but the nuance she’d add to her numbers was delectable.
Jon J. Peterson’s Bert was in fine Cockneyed form. He played around with all of Bert’s attributes from kooky chimney sweep to warm-hearted care take. Bert stewards the show through song and Peterson was the right guide for the journey.
Tim Brawner was superbly stuffy as George Banks, the family patriarch who’s more obsessed with his banking work than his wife and children. Olivia Cartwright perhaps had the most compelling arc playing wife Winifred Banks, who was diminished and servile until she bloomed into a woman who stood up for herself.
On Friday’s performance, Alyssa Sabo and Noah Brown held their own as the
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Mary Poppins