By Jennifer Joyce
“Wind’s in the east, there’s a mist coming in. Like something is brewing and ’bout to begin.” What could be brewing, one might ask? It’s nothing short of one word: Super-cali-fragilistic-expialidocious! “Mary Poppins” has arrived on Broadway-right in the heart of Times Square-and she’s spectacular! With a fabulous cast, amazing special effects and a toe-tapping score, this musical will thoroughly entertain anyone who sees it-no matter what age they are.
The cast is first rate. Ashley Brown plays Mary Poppins, and she’s simply terrific. She’s funny, clever and has a fabulous singing voice. She sounds and acts very much like Julie Andrews, the original Mary Poppins from the film version. It’s unfortunate that Brown didn’t receive a Tony nomination for this role-she should have. Gavin Lee, who is 100 percent worthy to be the successor of Dick Van Dyke, plays the other lead, Bert. Lee originated the role in the London production, so to see him do the same in America is a wonderful pleasure. He’s an excellent dancer, a superb singer and outrageously entertaining. The other cast members were equally enjoyable. Overall, the cast did a terrific job bringing the show to life.
If there’s one thing Disney knows how to do well, it’s how to create magic on the Broadway stage. After seeing all of the shows Disney has presented so far, this one is the grandest of them all. From transforming a dull park into a bright one, to flying Mary Poppins across the stage (and over the audience), the audience will be dazzled by all the special effects that the show has to offer. However, there is one part that may scare the little ones. In the song “Temper, Temper,” the toys in the children’s room come to life, however, they’re not exactly the nicest toys around. Seeing the trial that the children, Jane and Michael, go through could give other children nightmares.
Disney certainly knows how to make a show look good the old fashioned way. Remember those lavish costumes and sets from “Beauty and the Beast”? “Mary Poppins” uses the same technique. Each of the set pieces are huge, and the costumes are wonderfully colorful and elaborate. Like its predecessors, all the technical aspects in this show are first class.
Finally, the music in the show is top notch. Written by The Sherman brothers, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, this score contains not only the original classic melodies, such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Step in Time” and of course “Super-cali-fragilistic-expialidocious,” but some new and exciting songs as well. Some of these new songs include “Practically Perfect,” “Temper, Temper” and “Anything Can Happen.” All these new songs will keep one entertained, as well as present a positive message for the new generation. By the time the audience members leave the theater, they will be singing these tunes all the way home.
Disney has done it again, and “Mary Poppins” is a great musical for everyone. With fabulous casting, staging and music, one will be nothing short of amazed. Tickets for this show are flying faster than Mary herself, so get them now and get ready to fly to new heights with Mary Poppins!

(disneyphoto.com)