Attending this production of the classic Mary Poppins was delightful, Mary Poppins (Sara-Jeanne Hosie) literally flew over the rooftops of London—inside the Stanley Theatre! Remember, anything can happen if you let it. This family musical based on the writings of P.L. Travers and the popular Disney film features the unforgettable songs “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” plus some catchy new ones. Practically perfect in every way, the tale of everyone’s favourite magical nanny will sweep you off your feet as will the performances of both of the children.
“In assembling the cast for our production of the stage musical, I started with the title role and knew that Sara-Jeanne Hosie would be an ideal choice—she has contributed to the success of many of our most popular musicals, including Swing, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Cabaret, and A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” said director Bill Millerd. “I also cast some other actors that will be familiar to Arts Club audiences: Warren Kimmel (Disney’s Beauty & the Beast), Caitriona Murphy (Next to Normal), and Susan Anderson (White Christmas). I’m also thrilled to have longtime collaborators Bruce Kellett (musical director) and Valerie Easton (choreographer) joined by a superb design team that most recently worked together on White Christmas.”
Although the five-book series was written in the 1930s, the 1964 Disney movie renewed awareness of the work of P.L. Travers and a new generation became interested in the Mary Poppins character. The popularity of the movie interested Broadway producers for years, though their offers were all rejected by Travers. It was not until English theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh (Les Misérables) wooed Travers in the early 1990s and persuaded her to allow Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) to go back to the original novels, as well as the movie, to create a new book that the stage musical came to be.
Mary Poppins at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St., at 12th Ave.) from November 7, 2013, to January 5, 2014. Tuesday at 7:30pm, Wednesday–Saturday at 8 pm, and Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $29 to $70, inclusive of taxes and fees. Call the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644 or visit artsclub.com.
