Theatre under the Stars

xMary Poppins

Dates and Venue July 7 – August 18, 2017 at 8pm | Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Rd.

Reviewer Maria Figueiredo

This Broadway musical based on the 1964 film of the same name is a production that delights and captures your imagination.

Making her TUTS debut as Mary Poppins, Ranae Miller plays her part perfectly as the beloved nanny that makes 'anything possible'. The two young children, nine year old Nolen Dubuc as Michael Banks and 11 year old Lola Marshall as Jane Banks are exceptional in their roles.  The youngsters are so full of energy and spunk.  It is a thrill to watch them as they sing and dance with the rest of the cast, holding their own powerful performances among the adults.

The set and props for each scene are artistically built.  I particularly enjoyed the chimney scene and the glow in the dark performance.  Brian Ball (set designer) does a marvellous job of enhancing the play.  Each scene makes the possibility of anything happening even more real as each scene moves so easily into the other.

The scenes where the cast sings “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” with much dramatic dance are memorable and the audience enjoys joining in the rhythm of these unforgettable songs.  Popular songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Anything Can Happen” all further help to make the show enthralling and inspirational.  Victor Hunter as Bert with his powerful singing voice adds much gusto and charm to the whole musical.  The animated dancing and singing together with the orchestra and brilliant musical Director/conductor Wendy Bross Stuart make this a magical performance.  

We were lucky to be literally under the stars on a clear night as we watched this wonderful performance. It is indeed a great production that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

 

© 2017 Maria Figueiredo