Review by Jordan Wise, Front Row Reviewers
My husband and I excitedly walked into The Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden, Utah to watch the opening night of Mary Poppins. As we walked through the doors, we were greeted with the smell of buttery popcorn and a line of people almost going out the door. We made our way to our seats and enjoyed the vintage ambiance until the Executive Director Caleb Parry greeted the audience and made several announcements. As Parry left the stage, the “Prologue” (an instrumental version of “Chim Chim Cher-ee”) played as the lights changed color and an actor walked onto the stage.
Mary Poppins begins with Bert (Jeff Erickson), a street artist and chimney sweep, introducing us to the Banks family. The Banks children, Jane (Quincey Pugmire, Emery Bateman) and Michael (Rigdon Noble, Cash Bateman), have had several nannies quit because of their bad behavior. Mary Poppins (Natalie Peterson) suddenly arrives and uses her intelligence and magic to help restore the Banks’ family relationship. She takes the children on magical adventures and ends up having an impact on the adults as well.
Mary Poppins first premiered in 2004 at the Bristol Hippodrome and then moved to West End at the Prince Edward Theater, but its first debut on Broadway was in 2006 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The Broadway musical received positive reviews, with many people enjoying its technical aspects.
The Ziegfeld Theater’s production of Mary Poppins is directed by Marinda Maxfield. Maxfield has directed shows like A Christmas Carol, Little Women, Wait Until Dark, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She does a wonderful job directing and mixing both P.L. Travers’ novel with Walt Disney’s film.
The cast consists of 20 people and one loveable small dog. The set is beautiful and consists of drawn, projected backdrops with furniture that is moved around. Several scenes contain impressive magical elements which cause the audience to gasp in amazement. Kudos to Set Builder Steve Hill, Set Designer/Dressing Caleb Parry and Carson Sabin for the fabulous Light Design.
The actors in Mary Poppins have amazing chemistry with one another. You can tell they get along and enjoy performing together. They do a great job of portraying their characters, giving them depth, and they all have lovely singing voices. Peterson as Mary Poppins is the perfect combination of humor and cheekiness and is a great pick to play the lead. Music Director Christopher Rose brings the musical a wonderful synergy and polish, with the new music of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe as well as the original, familiar songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
The musical also includes many dance scenes choreographed by Dylan Floyd Panter. Panter’s choreography is lively and mixed with both old and modern styles of dancing. These trendy dance moves entertain the younger audience and iconic dance moves from the Walt Disney’s movie capture the attention of those who grew up watching with the film (most likely over and over). Many people in the audience even join in from their seats to dance along. The entertaining dance moves are paired with time-appropriate outfits by Costume Designer Stephanie Colyar. The costumes include costumes made famous by the film and new designs that are bright and colorful.
My husband and I had a great experience at The Ziegfeld Theater and thought that Mary Poppins made for a great date night. We laughed, were amazed by the technical features, and my husband even sang along during a few of the songs. The venue is clean and the staff are friendly. Parking filled up fast but there are plenty of open spots on the street and around the corner.
The play is rated G and is perfect for those of all ages. Including the intermission, the show ran for about three hours.
The Ziegfeld Theater presents Mary Poppins, music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (the Sherman Brothers) and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, script by Julian Fellowes.
The Ziegfeld Theater, 3934 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
February 23-March 16, 2024 Student Night February 23-24, ASL Night March 8, 2024 7:30 PM
Tickets: $24.95-26.95
The Ziegfeld Theater Facebook Page
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