|
The latest gusts of wind in Sydney have brought with it the extraordinary Mary Poppins and her flying umbrella.
Having created much hype during its Melbourne season, the musical opened at the Capitol Theatre last week and definitely lived up to its magical expectations with an exceptional cast, outstanding sets and special effects that brought the enchantment to life.
Drawing on both the original book by Australian author PL Travers and the 1964 Disney classic, the musical takes on a slightly more modernised, interesting and edgy direction.
Seasoned performer Philip Quast plays straitlaced banker George Banks and Marina Prior stars as his supportive wife.
When their orderly household and bubbly children go into disarray, they turn personal adversity into a triumphant metamorphosis with the help of the high-flying nanny.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the well-known tale is one for children only, as the show's superb collaboration of sets, dancing, singing and musical numbers make it a sheer delight for adults too.
The much meatier backstory of George Banks, who transforms from uptight banker to concerned family man, and his wife whose acting career has been put on hold to deal with her husband's emotional crises, offers another layer of storyline with which adults are better suited to identify.
The songs, made famous in the movie starring Julie Andrews and composed by the Sherman brothers, are just as popular and catchy today, with favourites being 'Chim Chim Cher-ee', 'A Spoonful of Sugar', Let's Go Fly a Kite' and the ever-popular 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
Bob Crowley's imaginative set design is best manifested in his spectacular design of the Banks' house, which unfolds to reveal a multi-layered, storybook-inspired interior, while the transformation of grey London into a technicolour dream is superb.
The bright and ever-changing sets enhance the awe-inspiring and magical atmosphere and evolve just as seamlessly as Poppins' repertoire of tricks.
The show is infused with various impressive illusions and seemingly impossible freats, such as Poppins pulling a a large pot plant out of her bag.
A major contributor to the show's success is the variety of stage theatrics that draw one's attention, but most outstanding is the boundless energy of the cast.
Playing a key part in Mary Poppins are the Banks children, Jane and Michael. There are five keen and talented performers who share each role, including Emanuel School student Ben Langsam, who will be performing intermittently, while Cameron Holmes had the honour on opening night.
Jewish performer Troy Sussman makes the most of a small role as businessman Von Hussler, while also appearing in a variety of ensemble roles.
In the role of Mary Poppins, Verity Hunt-Ballard brings outstanding stage presence, enthusiasm and delightful suitability to the role, while Anna-Lee Roberston's performance as Miss Andrew, the antithesis of Poppins, is superb and offers and exciting change in mood.
Salty-Anne Upton is memorable in her part as the loudmouth cook Mrs Brill, and Leah Howard, who plays the role of Mrs Corry, imbues the musical with her own unique sense of animation and sparkle.
Mary Poppins will make you bounce in your seat, leave with a smile on your face and be swept off your own feet - a truly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience for the whole family.
© The Australian Jewish News
