Supercalifragilistic ‘Mary Poppins’ at TBTS

Don Fowler
Posted 7/30/14

Grab a kid or two and introduce them to the joy of live theatre by taking them to see Theatre-by-the-Sea’s lively production of the Walt Disney classic, “Mary Poppins.”

Directed and …

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Supercalifragilistic ‘Mary Poppins’ at TBTS

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Grab a kid or two and introduce them to the joy of live theatre by taking them to see Theatre-by-the-Sea’s lively production of the Walt Disney classic, “Mary Poppins.”

Directed and choreographed by Kevin P. Hill, the musical is filled with memorable music, including songs added from the movie version, which does make the production a bit long.

You’ll find yourself humming along to “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” (The song is so universal that Spell-Check didn’t red line it.)

Producer Bill Hanney went out on the proverbial limb to pull this one off…and he succeeded.

While Mary doesn’t quite fly like Peter Pan, the rigging does take her across the stage in her patented pose with umbrella and bag, and the old barn ceiling supports her exit to the balcony and return for a rousing encore. Even more innovative is the rigging used to support Bert’s walk up the wall and on the ceiling.

There are many truly magical moments in the musical, requiring some work by the TBTS crew, and they all work. There are also good messages about family, as Mary shows Mr. Banks, who is a banker, what is important in life.

Kerry Conte, who understudied the role on the national tour, makes a wonderful Mary Poppins, bringing a fine voice with her. Brad Bradley makes an agile Bert, moving freely about the stage and dancing up a storm.

Speaking of dancing, the choreography is a big highlight in this production, from the clever “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” to the high powered “Step in Time.”

Bert Scott’s sets are as good as I’ve seen in major productions, fitting and switching on the small stage with utmost precision. Scenes switch smoothly from the Banks’ parlor to the children’s bedroom to the park.

Scarlett Keene-Connole and Sidney Carreiro both have an opportunity to play young Jane Banks, while Bobby Miller III and Alexander LeBlanc share the role of Michael Banks. The entire cast is first-rate, giving super energy to the musical.

The amazing thing is that a musical that requires a great deal of imagination and gimmicks could be given the proper treatment at a theatre in a barn.

“Mary Poppins” is at Theatre-by-the-Sea through Aug. 16. Tickets are $42, $52 and $62. Call 782-8587 for reservations.

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