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The original production opened in London in 2004. The show spent more than three years at the Prince Edward Theater before flying to Broadway, where it remained six years! 15 years after its first performance, is the magic still present?
Zizi Strallen: the perfect Mary Poppins
The English actress has a long relationship with the title role. In London, it was his sister, Scarlet Strallen, who performed the role. Zizi Strallen, she already played this role in the English tour of 2015 but also in Ireland and Dubai.
If you can't help but compare her to Julie Andrews, the actress does a sensational job. She completely appropriates the role and proves that she is a formidable dancer, singer and actress. She lives in Mary Poppins in every detail and we love her bonding on stage with Bert and the children Banks.
Charlie Stemp, the young actor who plays Bert is always so charming. We discovered it in London in Half a Sixpence then on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! Here, with his finest Cockney accent, he is seen singing the famous "Chim Chim Cher-ee", dancing (even with his head upside down) and telling the story of the Banks family. We would like to see him even more on stage!
The cast is frankly perfect. Banks children, so young and already so talented, Banks parents, very touching. But of course the troupe that comes to populate the stage with colors, emotions and dance.
A magical show from sets to costumes ...
The sets and costumes are incredible: we recognize the genius of Bob Crowley. We note in particular the Banks' house which unfolds like a doll's house, the colorful garden, filled with living statues. But also the magic shop, the London skyline and the terrifying bank. The sets and costumes of Bob Crowley bring touches of magic to the show that amaze young and old alike.
… Through the choreography and the staging.
Some musical numbers really stand out like “Step in Time”, with a tap dance choreography that leaves us speechless. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is the most impressive number of the show. The entire company takes up with crazy energy the millimeter choreography of Stephen Mear and Matthew Bourne. There is not a second of rest for the actors (and we would like them to never stop)!
It's always very moving to find the melodies with which we grew up like “Spoonful of Sugar”. I especially want to highlight the performance of "Feed the Birds" by Petula Clark. The English actress and singer is 87 years old and although little on stage, she captivates the attention of the entire theater in her role as Woman with Birds, with an ever poignant voice.
We can't talk about Mary Poppins without talking about magic! And the visual effects were really amazing. From her bag, the English nurse takes out a plant or even a coat rack. It makes objects appear or fly away under the astonished eyes of all the spectators. The visual effects are bluffing and denote a precision and perfect collaboration on the part of the actors and the technical team.
Obviously, the most astonishing moment is when Mary Poppins flies above the public: we are as moved as amazed.
A few lengths are felt in the show. The first act would have been more effective if it had ended after "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". The Stiles & Drewe duo were responsible for adding a few songs to the show and while some fit perfectly like “Practically Perfect” others don't particularly advance the story like “Brimstone and Treacle” or “Playing the Game”.
See the show
The show is a real magic moment. The show is designed for children and adults alike with great lessons to remember and memories to keep forever. We come out with a full heart!
I strongly recommend that you see this show (a good Christmas gift idea)!
To purchase tickets, simply click on this link.
The show is on view until July 2020 (but the show is such a success that we are sure it will be extended).