For the Houston Hobby Center’s Theatre Under the Stars, a fantastical performance of Mary Poppins was given, and it truly was “practically perfect in every way!”
This Tony award-winning musical gave a fresh perspective on the classic Disney tale with its clever lighting and projections displayed onto beautiful backdrops that transports the audience to Cherry Tree Lane. The story of the Banks family in desperate assistance of a special nanny to bring them together again has audiences laughing and singing along to tunes that everyone knows like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and there’s even a large sign that spells out, “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” so audiences can spell the word as fast as possible along with the talented cast.
Mischievously fantastic performances are given by Kelly Lomonte and Sean Graul as Jane and Michael Banks who immediately control the stage and put us in excited anticipation for the arrival of their much needed nanny, Mary Poppins, played exquisitely by Christina Decicco. Soon enough the theater is turned into a magical place where “anything can happen,” made believable by moving set pieces and dolls that come to life with just a snap of the fingers.
Danny Gardner, portraying Bert, croons the somber tune “Chim Chim Cher-ee” throughout the story, taking us deeper into the conflicts that plague the Banks family. Mr. Banks (Drew McVety) wants everything to be in “precision and order,” despite the needs of his family who just want to feel close and loved. But Mary Poppins appears into their lives and makes good on her promise of leaving them forever changed. She teaches the children manners, the difference between “value” and “worth,” and how to “feed the birds.” The spoiled Banks children enjoy the fun and games of statues that turn to life in the park but refuse to “play the game” nicely, thus causing Mary Poppins to make her leave and therefore to be replaced by Mr. Banks’ terrifying childhood nanny. Finally appreciating what they had and what their father went through, Jane and Michael are brought to their senses, thus bringing back Mary Poppins. Mr. Banks is overwhelmed by his family’s support despite his belief that he may be fired from his job only to find out that, with the help of Mary Poppins’ clever wisdom, he has made his company very successful. Not only is his job better, but now his family is as well, and he gives all the credit to the magical nanny who then, in a bittersweet moment, says her goodbyes; her work is done.
Mary Poppins is a beautiful and fun musical filled with pops of color, moving musical numbers, and deep emotional moments of connection that audiences of all ages will adore. The Hobby Center is featuring the musical until March 20th, so go get your tickets now for a magical experience!
