Mary Poppins
Watertower Theatre , 2024
DFW CENTERSTAGE
My thoughts on Mary Poppins or… a “practically perfect” preview
Everyone’s favorite nanny has blown into the WaterTower Theatre making us all kids again with her carpetbag, umbrella, cheerful songs, and high-flying magic.
Mary’s world looks no worse for wear after more than sixty years have passed since the Walt Disney film premiered. The creative team here has done splendid work making Mary’s Edwardian world colorful and enchanting.
Vasthy Mompoint and director John de los Santos have created always fun to watch and sometimes dizzyingly spectacular choreography, especially for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time.” Director de los Santos, who helmed the unforgettable Kinky Boots at Uptown Players a couple seasons ago, keeps Mary Poppins moving at a brisk clip, but always lets the heart of the show shine through.
De los Santos has cast the show with terrific performers. Indeed, one of the great strengths of this Mary Poppins is that performers even in the smaller roles are polished and totally committed to their characters.
Yes, there’s flying in this Mary Poppins and all sorts of other wonders that will thrill you whether you are in your first or second childhood. There’s truly something about this Mary.
ONSTAGE NTX
Mary Poppins always floats onto the scene (via her magic umbrella) when and where she’s most needed, right? Well, get your tickets this minute for WaterTower Theatre’s jubilant, high-flying production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins the Musical.
You and yours need to see this show.
The kids and parents and grandparents in the seats had their eyes riveted to the singers and dancers, and WaterTower’s intimate, steeply-raked theater space created a special vibe, for sure. The connectivity between spectators and performers is palpable and exciting as the actors make their entrances and exits through the audience to the stage.
John de los Santos’ swift, buoyant direction makes time fly along with Mary, and the richly resonant 12-person orchestra, directed by Cody Dry, sweeps us into the action with an inviting overture and deft accompaniment to the lively songs. Both solos and big dance numbers are choreographed with energy and style by de los Santos and Vasthy Mompoint.
The company clicks marvelously, and the dance ensemble delivers everything from a stunning ballet solo by a leaping statue to “Step in Time,” a thunderous tap number that vibrates through the whole theater: the proscenium stage opens up to the rooftops of London, where the chimney sweeps play hand-clap games and tap dance in noisy unison. Director de los Santos, a terrific dancer himself, joins the company onstage for the high-kicking finale and standing ovation for a truly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance. Take it away, sweeps!
DALLAS VOICE
Addison welcomed the arrival of Mary Poppins for a limited engagement at WaterTower Theatre. Friday’s opening night saw a sold-out crowd which was abuzz for the production that showcased the deft talents of the cast, crew and orchestra. The stage version, co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and playwright Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and based on the Disney film and P.L. Travers’ books offered a fresh take on the beloved story that still paid a nice homage to the film.
Co-creator Cameron Mackintosh and story by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) offer a stage version that wasn’t a carbon copy of the movie that so many people grew up with, but a fresh take on that story with new songs by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles.
John de los Santos directed the show with a lovely touch. The cast seemed relaxed into their roles and brought their familiar characters to life wholeheartedly. De los Santos gave the show an immersive effect with actors performing and entering from the audience.
Despite being a Disney show, Mary Poppins relied primarily on the power of storytelling and music rather than special effects. The flying scenes on wires and clever tricks like the carpet bag added a touch of magic, but the show’s true allure stemmed from its dialogue and songs bolstered by strong performances.
Now can we talk about the choreography? No special effects? Fine, but more of de los Santos’ and Vasthy Mompoint’s work please. The choreographers crafted stunningly intricate numbers with big crowds onstage all hitting the moves. Their work added a whole other level of rousing energy to the show.
Mary Poppins seemingly resonated with the entire audience which was of all ages effectively through its charm and perhaps, nostalgia. The standing ovation on opening night was well-deserved for the cast and crew who delivered an exceptional performance in a most delightful way.
