“Marry Poppins” is currently flying into New Canaan to the delight of both adults and children. The story about a magical, fun-loving, English nanny who changes a family’s material focus towards more important things in life, is a super, musical production by Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC)!
Interestingly, the staged version is closer to the original children’s stories by P.L. Travers than Disney’s 1964 film. Because it includes more satire concerning the English class-system, the award-winning musical which appeared on Broadway in 2006, now appeals to a wider audience.
According to Dick Van Dyke, who played the role of “Bert” in the Disney film, Travers disapproved of his co-star, Julie Andrews, because Mary Poppins was supposed to be short, plump, and not very pretty.
Contrary to the English author’s original wishes, STONC’S “Mary Poppins” is magnificently portrayed by Emily Grace Tucker — who is even prettier than Julie Andrews and sings divinely. “Bert,” played by tap-happy Stephen Petrovich, will also charm you with his singing and dancing every moment that he’s onstage. And, your children will envy the naughty children who were played Avery Jackson and Camilo Velasquez the night we attended. Sean Hannon and Jazmin Gorsline are Mr. and Mrs. Banks — their very proper stage parents.
Except for the children, all of the main characters are professional members of Actors Equity. Outstanding is the strong-voiced Janelle A. Robinson in the roles of “Mrs. Cory” and the hated nanny, “Miss Andrews.” Robinson won the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for “Bloody Mary” in “South Pacific and is noted for her role as “Berthe” in STONC’s “Pippin.” In contrast, Janet Dickenson as house-keeper “Mrs. Brill” and “Bird Woman” has a sweet, operatic voice.
Among the many tuneful songs composed by Richard and Robin Sherman are: “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Jolly Holiday,” “A Spoonful of Sugar.” “Feed The Birds,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and the tongue twister, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
There are several new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drew and among the new scenes, we especially enjoyed the Penguins’ Tea Party.
The musical is enhanced under the direction of STONC’s Artistic Director, Melody Libonati. Doug Shankman’s restaging of exciting, dance sequence, ” Step In Time,” is one of the best we’ve seen and his lovely “Bird Dancers “ are Lily Anderson and Jenna Filippelli. The dynamic, live orchestra is directed by Kerianne Brennan and the entire technical crew deserves special recognition.
STONC’s production of “Mary Poppins” will absolutely “Wow!” people of all tastes and generations. Furthermore, the musical is playing at New Canaan High School’s large, air-conditioned auditorium and there is ample, free parking.
Hint: Try to be seated as close as possible for best sound and sight and when you leave, remember to pick up some seeds in the lobby to “feed the birds.”
