LAST CHANCE FOR A ‘SPOONFUL OF SUGAR’

ZIEGFELD THEATER’S CHARMING PRODUCTION OF ‘MARY POPPINS’ COMPLETES ITS THREE-WEEK RUN ON SATURDAY

Review

It’s a jolly holiday with Mary… and the whole cast of Ziegfeld Theater’s delightful stage rendering of the Academy Award-winning Disney movie that ends this Saturday after a three week run. Mary Poppins, directed by Marinda Maxfield, is based on both the film and the stories by P.L. Traverse and includes new songs in addition to film favorites like “Feed The Birds,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Let’s Go Fly A Kite,” and of course “Superfcalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

This production is darker than the film, as it more closely resembles Traverse’s stories about the “Pracically Perfect Nanny,” but it’s no less magical. As someone who grew up watching the movie, it’s heartwarming to see the familiar songs performed live. But if you think you’ve seen Mary Poppins, it’s not exactly what you remember.

The story’s theme resonates more now than as a kid: that is, the redemption of George Banks, and in Maxfield’s words “the magic of kindness.” She writes in the playbill: “This magic of kindness is, in fact, a necessity in this day. The struggle of the middle class, the immigrant population, and anyone else people feel are ‘too dirty.’” These deeper themes add meaning to light and humorous Step In Time tunes.

Natalie Peterson had big umbrellas to fill as the beloved title character Mary Poppins, and her enchanting performance is more than practically perfect. Jeff Erickson is endearing as Bert — and two incredible young actors, Emery and Cash Batemen from the Mary cast on Saturday, February 24 when I attended, shined in their portrayal of the spirited and curious siblings “Jane and Michael Banks” who keep chasing their nannies away.

I loved the way the audience clapped in anticipation at the start of the music, before the curtain lifted, and the adorable way the family is introduced. There are plenty of genuinely funny moments; the timing of the physical comedy is spot-on. It’s sprinkled with whimsical surprises from start to finish, with one deliciously frightful nanny (Ginny Teuscher), and one furry cast member—Colby plays “Willoughby.”

All ages can thoroughly enjoy this show. Take your friends and family to see Mary Poppins at Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden before it ends this week, and hurry. She’s only here until the wind changes!

There are three more performances of Mary Poppins this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26.95/$24.95 kids.