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Australia’s Mary Poppins reaches for the heavens and gets the stars thrown in.
Separately, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney have produced some of the world’s biggest and most successful musicals. Together, their talent and experience align to create an astounding display of theatrical magic with more than a spoonful of heart. Whilst this blue chip pedigree has been more than enough for London and Broadway stagings, Australian audiences are treated to the additional luxury of an all-star cast in the supporting roles.
A musicalization of PT Travers’ stories, rather than of the movie, the stage musical contains no suffragettes, dancing penguins or tea parties on the ceiling. The ‘practically perfect’ Mary Poppins descends on the troubled Banks family of Cherry Tree Lane to restore harmony for the ill-tempered children, tense parents and long suffering servants.
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Not the traditional title character protagonist, the action happens around Mary as she pulls the strings like a skillful puppeteer. The most significant journey of the narrative is that of George Banks. In the hands of highly experienced actor Philip Quast, George’s story is expertly realised and the key scenes in his transformation are quite moving. His rich, sonorous voice is a pleasure to hear as well. Despite being lumbered with the only dull song in the score, Marina Prior shines as Winifred Banks. Singing and acting strongly, Prior elevates the role with her star wattage.
© Theatre People Australia
