PicksInSix Review: DISNEY'S MARY POPPINS Drury Lane Theatre
LOFTY “MARY POPPINS” A HOLIDAY DELIGHT!
Imagine the wonderful world of Walt Disney as chimney sweep Bert (James T. Lane) steps out of an illustration and into the Cherry Tree Lane neighborhood of the Banks children– Grier Burke (Jane) and Sebastian Merlo (Michael) in shared roles—at the opening of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins.” The childhood favorite is now playing in a magically animated production at Drury Lane Theatre, directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, with co-choreography by Josh Walden.
As seen through the eyes of the children, their autocratic father—in the musical, based on the stories of P.L Travers and the Disney film—is George Banks (Matt Crowle), who is preoccupied with having complete order in his personal and professional life. The children’s well-intentioned mother Winifred (Alexis J. Roston) would prefer a stage career to her role as head of household. And then there is the madcap house staff–Catherine Smitko (Mrs. Brill), Harriet Nzinga Plumpp (Mrs. Corry) and Robertson Ay (Sawyer Smith), hilarious characters who are all products of a world devoid of the warmth of wonder.
Turn the page on Kevin Depinet’s book-inspired set awash with Kevan Loney’s projections and framed with an abundance of cherry blossoms in full bloom, and enter Mary Poppins, the exquisitely multi-talented Emilie Lynn, who arrives from above in answer to a mysterious advertisement for a nanny of glowing qualifications who can—and does—make everything magically appear. (The superb flying sequences are choreographed by Paul Rubin.)
The beauty of Mary Poppins is in the inspired score and magic to be done, from a brilliant bottomless satchel—courtesy of illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer—to the park statues that come to life. It’s all up to Mary Poppins to make the magic happen, and the glistening Lynn, who teams beautifully with the charming and spirited Lane, makes all manner of surprise seem effortless.
The company includes many of Chicago’s finest ensemble players under the musical direction of Roberta Duchak. Crowle is outstanding in the role of George, equally troubled and tender, connecting expertly with Roston’s sweet and vocally rich performance as Winifred. Holly Stauder gives a wicked turn as Miss Andrew and Smitko provides a moving rendition of “Feed the Birds.”
There are more than enough eye-popping dance numbers and high-flying excitement to make Drury Lane’s lofty “Mary Poppins” a holiday delight!
PHOTOS|Brett Beiner
DISNEY and
CAMERON MACINTOSH’S
MARY POPPINS
DRURY LANE THEATRE
through January 19, 2020
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 530-0111
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