By Scott Taylor
If you think you don’t need to go see the stage production of Mary Poppins because you’ve seen the 1964 film and maybe the 2013 biopic Saving Mr. Banks, Centerpoint Legacy Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins will change your mind. Yes, you know the music and the characters, but it’s how the characters feel, develop, grow that makes this show not only succeed, but triumph.
If you’re not familiar with Mary Poppins, and maybe there a few souls on the planet who are not, it’s the story of a dysfunctional family where the father, Mr. Banks, is consumed by his job at the bank. Mrs. Banks is consumed with Votes for Women and avoiding her children. The children, Jane and Michael, are consumed with being as bratty as possible and chasing off every nanny that comes to the Banks’ household. Mary Poppins, who is practically perfect in every way, tames and entrances the children and has amazing adventures, sometimes with her beau, Bert. Mary brings the whole family together and everyone lives happily ever after.
As with the past two shows on the Barlow Main Stage, the entire set extends only feet behind the proscenium. The permanent backdrop provides levels that transform from London streets, to Cathedral steps, from a city park, to a rooftop landscape, and of course, the Banks’s home on Cherry Tree Lane. The theatre uses visuals that transform the set walls to expertly match the action on stage—wallpaper in the home, trees for the park, dancing chimney sweeps above. Drops are sparse, but effective. The props that convert to rooms are beautiful, especially the nursery where Mary dazzles the Banks’s children. The set is a delight through every scene of both acts. Director Danny Inkley and his entire team create a world where anything can happen, where magic exists and is only limited by imagination.
Vocal performances can make or break a musical. I saw the opening night for the M/W/F cast with Sarah Jane Watts in the lead role, Craig Williams as Bert, and Scott Montgomery (who also is the show’s Associate Director) as Mr. George Banks. All three are exceptional in their roles with Watts’s voice combining a sense of joy, confidence, and wisdom all in one (something not easily done.) We expect great vocal talent to fill the featured roles in a musical—the roles beckon for great talent, but when each solo—not just from the leads, but from everyone, almost without exception—is pure, on pitch, beautiful, it’s a treat. Angie Call (Winifred Banks), Shayla Florence (Jane Banks), Ben Royland (Michale Banks) rounds out the family by providing wonderful voices to match their admirable acting skills. I credit Music Director Derek Myler and Danny Inkley for choosing and utilizing the talents of these performers.
Even with strong singers and actors, if the choreography doesn’t pull its weight, a show can definitely lag. Thankfully, Choreographer Addison Welch blends dancing that fills the stage and keeps to the spirit of the show. The dance numbers are difficult, but not too busy to give you a headache. The ensemble (many who doubled as named characters) executes each dance with energy. The show’s signature dance, the second act’s Step In Time has the feel of a Stomp production number. It is so lively, it made me want to jump up on stage and join them.
The hard work of the costumers cannot be overlooked. We know how Mary and Bert should look, but it was the other characters that surprised. Mrs. Andrew looks (and acts) deliciously vile. Admiral Boom does not disappoint. Dancing toys, birds, and statues add to the visual parade. Each costume matches the world beautifully.
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As an audience member, I was surrounded by many of a younger generation with several of the children dressing as their favorite character. As per the theatre’s custom, after the performance several of the actors came out in costume to greet friends, family, and the rest. It’s heartwarming to see Mary Poppins pose with several young fans dressed as Mary Poppins. It personalizes the art.
On a personal note, I should include an action taken by the theatre before the show began. An actor, involved with Centerpoint Legacy Theatre and its predecessor, Rodger’s Memorial Theatre, passed away last fall. Shelley Davies, Director of Development spoke to us about this actor, his love of performing, and his love of the theatre. She directed our attention to a seat in the front row, decorated with a chimney sweep broom wrapped in a ribbon. Before he died, the actor expressed his desire to be a chimney sweep in the show. He got his wish. It showed to me the heart of the theatre to hold up the curtain for fifteen minutes and let us all know how special he was to them.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre runs from February 24 to March 25 with Saturday matinees on March 3 and March 11.
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre is located at: 525 N 400 W, Centerville Utah 84014
Ticket prices: Adult Main Level: $23.25–$25.50, Balcony: $19.50–$21.50, Senior/Student Main Level: $21.25–$23/25, Balcony: $17.50–$19.50
No children under 3. No babes in arms.
Tickets and additional information can be found on their website: www.centerpointtheatre.org, or call: 801-298-1302
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