Payson’s 50th Production, Mary Poppins, is Perfect for the Whole Family!

By Kendra Hill

If you are looking for a family activity that is ‘practically perfect in every way’, Payson Community Theater’s 50th anniversary production of Mary Poppins at Payson High School is not a show to miss.

Mary Poppins takes place in the early 1900’s in London, England and tells the story of the Banks family who is striving to find acceptance and love with their family when Mary Poppins (Avonlea Simons) arrives to be a nanny for the two children, Jane (Gracie Morton) and Michael (Nolan Larsen). Through sometimes magical means, Mary Poppins teaches them how to come together and treasure their family relationships.

The musical includes most of the music that is in the 1964 movie Mary Poppins, but the stage play itself is quite different. The play does a better job at developing the characters of the Banks family, as well as presenting uplifting themes that the movie only touches on. It explores using a ‘spoonful of sugar’ not only to help with household chores, but in your interactions with others and how to deal with a bully. This is a great theme to present to children (and adults), particularly with the beginning of a new school year. When the play is over, you will leave feeling edified and believing that ‘anything can happen.’

Avonlea Simons is more than practically perfect as the whimsical nanny Mary Poppins and emits an aura of command whenever she is on the stage. Her voice is just as magical as her acting and I could listen to her sing all day. The story is lightly narrated by an eccentric artist/street cleaner/chimney sweep (or whatever he feels like being that day), Bert (Colton Simons). Colton Simons has a fun and energetic stage presence and is always fun to watch. Together, they have a wonderful chemistry. This may be due in part to the fact that they are married in real life. While they are together they have small interactions that often made the audience sigh, ahh, or laugh. Much of that is also because of the artistic director Steve Poulson who has done a magnificent job of developing characters and creating a wonderful synergy between the actors onstage.

One of my favorite characters is Winifred Banks (Carson Center), wife of banker George Banks (Ben Spencer). I loved watching as she took the oppression she was shown by her husband and others and used it to fuel her determination to help her struggling family and became a key part in bringing them together. Spencer does a fantastic job as George Banks as he tries to figure out his role as a family man and banker.

I am very surprised by the prowess of Morton and Larsen who play the two Banks children, Jane and Michael. Both kids have a lot of stage time, lines, songs, and dances. Yet they never lose focus, always enjoy their time as the Banks characters, and do a fabulous job.

This play has no shortage of talent on the stage. Even the secondary characters such as the Bird Woman (Sally Talbot), the Park Keeper (Utah Lambert), and Neleus (Erik Ewell), all are a joy to watch and have fantastic singing voices. The evil nanny, Miss Andrew (Julie Hancock) actually had my 4-year-old hiding her face in her hands until Mary Poppins came to save the day. The ensemble is superb and the dances are together with movements that filled the stage (Emma Black, Choreographer), and we could always hear and understand the songs and harmonies thanks to Shannon Eden (Music Director).

The set pieces are impressive (Set design was 4th Wall Scenic, New York, NY), and many are huge. Yet, the tech crew did their job quickly and efficiently as there weren’t long waiting periods between scenes. Along with the set pieces, there are digital backdrops that help create the magical atmosphere that comes with a Mary Poppins adventure. Richard Lindsey’s lighting design grabs your attention and keeps focus on the characters and the story, even through scene changes. The entire auditorium is always filled with the beautiful voices of the actors and actresses and every line heard thanks to the superb audio team led by Craig Zeeman.

The costumes are truly awe-inspiring. My personal favorites were Mary Poppin’s blue skirt and coat, and the beautiful golden ball gown that Mrs. Banks wears at the end of the show. Costume Designer Kristi Peck has really nailed the authentic costuming, and had an army of seamstresses and cast members who helped bring the 1910’s to the 2018 Payson High School auditorium.

After the show we were able to meet the actors and actresses who brought the story to life. My children were in awe that they could meet the Mary Poppins. Avonlea stayed in character and spoke to them in an English accent, asked them questions, gave them hugs, and smiled for pictures. It was just like meeting a Disney Princess and it made the experience even more magical for my children.

Mary Poppins is a must-see family adventure that everyone can enjoy. I took my whole family, including my three-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. While my children love watching the show, the second act was a little difficult for them because of the late hour. The starting time for the play is 7:30 PM, and it ended at 10:20 PM which was well past their usual bedtime. It also can be difficult for them to see the stage so I would bring a blanket for them to sit on, or hold them on your lap. Please be aware of your child’s limitations and take fussy children out of the theater if needed.

Come celebrate 50 years of amazing theater productions with Payson Community Theater, and don’t miss this show that is more than ‘practically perfect’ before it flies away Sept. 3. Tickets can be purchased online at www.paysoncommunitytheater.com or at Napa Auto Parts in Payson. I recommend purchasing tickets online, particularly for the weekend or Labor Day shows as they often sell out.

(Photographs taken by Mary Hansen)

Payson Community Theater presents Mary Poppins by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh
Payson High School, 1050 South Main Street, Payson, UT 84651
August 23-25, 27, 30-31, September 1, 7:30 PM September 3, 3:00 PM
Tickets: $10
Contact: Paysoncommunitytheatre@gmail.com
Payson Community Theater Facebook Page
Mary Poppins Facebook Event