By Torri Adams
It’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary Poppins at Tuacahn in Ivins, Utah. This joyful musical co-created with Cameron Mackintosh is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film. In the world of Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane, you watch the Banks family learn the importance of spending time with those that matter most.
Bert (Neil Starkenberg)starts this fantastical tale and leads you through the characters’ journeys with his strong voice and charming personality. Starkenberg’s Bert is light and tender-hearted with just the right amount of comedic timing and sincerity. He introduces us to the Banks family, and we quickly see that they all have personal desires and struggles. Director Peggy Hickey does a fantastic job leading the cast to show us what is standing in each character’s way. Mr. Banks (James Taylor Odom) is trying to do right by his strict upbringing, while focusing on becoming a successful businessman. Mrs. Banks (Kelley Dorney) is trying to find her role as wife. Their two children, Jane (Lilly Pearson) and Michael (Charlie Stover), are simply children longing to be heard and seen by the people they love and admire. After yet another nanny leaves due to the unruly children, an advertisement is needed to find the next caretaker. But this time Jane and Michael decide to write their own version of what a nanny should be. Magically received by the one and only Mary Poppins, played by the brilliant Gail Bennett, the advertisement brings her onto the scene, and the most peculiar things begin to happen, changing the lives of the Banks family forever.
Bennett is no stranger to the character of Mary Poppins. She played the lead at Tuacahn in 2013, and this run totals her seventh time in the role. She is strict and mischievous, charismatic and spontaneous, mysterious and practically perfect. Her vocals are phenomenal, and her diction is crisp. She has the impeccable posture of one with Mary Poppins’ self-confidence and the poise of someone who demands attention. Even when she isn’t moving, Mary Poppins poses in a most appropriate way. You rarely need wonder what or who is on her mind.
The production is filled with strong leads and an incredible supporting ensemble. Odom’s rich baritone is perfectly suited to the role of Mr. Banks. Dorney has a strong and graceful presence, and she allows you to feel how badly she wants to impress her husband. Pearson’s and Stover’s performances as the children are equally marvelous. We first see the combined talent of the ensemble in the number “Jolly Holiday.” With beautiful harmonies (Music Director Bryson Baumgartel) and exquisite dancing (Choreographer Mara Newberry Greer), this number is an exciting introduction of what is to come. “A Spoonful of Sugar”is such an entertaining number where scenic effects and props, while somewhat predictable, are still delightful (Scenic/Lighting Design Paul Black).
Choreographer Greer successfully manages the intense dancing required. Three especially notable dance numbers are “Jolly Holiday,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Step in Time.” A number of dance styles are displayed. From seemingly effortless ballet to highly energetic Broadway dancing, the choreography enchants the audience. Hours of rehearsal were undoubtedly required to achieve the level of synchronicity we witness. The choreography was so engaging, I wanted to learn it and get up onstage with the cast. The tapping in “Step in Time” is first-rate with clear and clean sounds, again showing the level of talent.
Costume designer Ryan Moller hit the mark. The costumes are bright and playful, especially when Mary Poppins works her magic, and create a beautiful picture to help set the mood of each scene. The set is effectively augmented by the liberal use of projections, which projection designer Brad Peterson utilizes to establish distinct locations and transport the audience in a flash. One moment you’re in the bank, the next at the park, then back to Cherry Tree Lane. Projections were relied on more than I would have liked, taking place of Bert actually dancing on the ceiling, however, they are very cleverly used in many instances.
Though minor characters, Mrs. Brill played by Alexandra Melrose and Robertson Ay played by Brady Miller fill the stage any time you see them. Lexie Dorsett Sharp plays the role of Miss Andrews so well that I was almost afraid she was going to give the entire audience “brimstone and treacle.” She manages the tough and thunderous voice of Miss Andrews, though moments before she is singing “Feed the Birds” alongside Mary Poppins as the gentle and meek Bird Woman. Her vocal range is amazing. Jalynn Steele as Mrs. Corry is radiant and kind. Though somewhat eccentric, she still easily interacts with and is admired by the other characters.
We found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the production. Mary Poppins is such an uplifting and inspiring show, and it is so perfectly appropriate for every age, that anyone who has the chance should see Tuacahn’s production.
Mary Poppins based on stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film. Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. Original music and lyrics by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Book by Julian Fellows. New and additional songs and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, UT 84738
May 20 – Oct. 22, 2022, various start times
Tickets: $32.00 – $128.00, ages 3+, Reserved seating
Contact: 800-746-9882
Tuacahn Website
Tuacahn Facebook Page
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