By Lindsey Kelstrom
Lovers of Disney’s 1964 Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews will love the nostalgia and tribute to the iconic character in Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins playing at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan, Utah this summer. The story, originating from author P.L. Travers’ popular children’s book, will likewise please fans of the novels, as scenes and characters omitted in the Disney movie can be found in this whimsical telling of the practically perfect nanny come to help a struggling family find their way back to each other once again.
Mary Poppins (Amanda Compton LoPresti) arrives at Cherry Tree Lane in London to fill the position of nanny that children Jane (Mia Ballam) and Michael Banks (Boston Clemens) continually make difficult to fill with their mischievous behavior. But Mary Poppins has not just come to make things right with the children. Along with long-time friend, Bert (Timothy Stewart), she also opens the eyes of the children’s’ father, Mr. George Banks (Brandon Hendrickson) and wife Winifred Banks (Molly Mustonen).
To begin with is the beautiful set designed by Dennis Hassan, which brings the audience right within the walls of Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. It fills the stage, and delightfully stays true to the British architecture and décor of the early 1900s. Then, magically the scene changes to the loft bedroom of the children, or the park where they fly a kite, and the rooftops where they step in time. Some scene changes take longer than others, but the finished product is always worth the wait in this show.
Compton LoPresti brings the perfect air to a practically perfect character with a mixture of aloofness, kind-heartedness, and a spoonful of sternness. She also has a beautiful voice to match her beautifully designed costumes, thanks to costume designer Judith A. Ryerson. Bert, Mary Poppins’ friend and partner in crime- or perhaps better described as partner in magic- portrayed by Stewart is both playful and honest, and his vocals are top notch. The same can be said of his impeccable cockney accent as well.
What would Mary Poppins be, however, without children to nanny? Ballam and Clemens make a remarkable duo as the genuine, sometimes spunky, but ultimately sweet, Banks children. You can’t help but love them and cheer them on throughout their entire sincere performances. Their parents, played by Hendrickson and Mustonen, give equally honest and relatable performances. And honestly, it just cannot be said of any one of The Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre performers that they can’t sing, because the quality of their vocals are breathtaking and everything you’d hope they would be. From Poppins to every last ensemble members, the vocals are beautiful, helped by Conductor/Music Director Karen Keltner, who perhaps could be considered somewhat of a Mary Poppins protégé herself.
Another stand out performance is from Alissa Anderson as Miss Andrew, who plays the nasty, mean-spirited nanny returned from George Banks childhood who unsuccessfully tries to replace Mary Poppins. Her demeanor and deep, rich vocals scared me from my seat in a truly entertaining way, and I cheered when Mary Poppins gives her what’s coming to her. It is a perfectly played performance of an antithetical villain. Her hair and makeup are as equally villainous and cynically comical, which takes the character’s portrayal to the next level. So thank you to wig and make up designer Georgianna Eberhard for that stroke of genius and for many others with wigs and make-up for the entire cast.
Director/Choreographer Michael Jenkinson has had his work cut out with this musical. With many scenes changes and musical numbers to stage and choreograph, though the work was likely monumental, his efforts are not in vain. This is a quality production that is both whimsical and relatable, and the choreography is jolly and playful, just as you would expect from this type of high-spirited story. Hats off to Lighting Designer Chris Wood and Sound Designer Nathan Schilz as well who add to the magic and take us to another time and otherworldly experience where people like Mary Poppins just might really exist.
Go to Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre’s Mary Poppins for sentiment, to hum along to a familiar tune, to reminisce and to celebrate the joys of childhood. Go with family, for that is what this story is really about. The character of Mary Poppins ultimately sets out to repair the Banks family with a reminder to not take serious matters too seriously, but instead to love laughing, embrace creativity and imagination, and to slow down a bit and just go fly a kite with those you love.
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre presents Disney’s Mary Poppins, music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, script by Julian Fellowes.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 Main St, Logan, UT 84321
Tickets: $8-$79
July 6-August 3, 2019 1 PM or 7:30 PM depending on the date
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Facebook Page
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