Mary Poppins by Bombshell Theatre Co (at Next Act Theatre)

Mary Poppins was one of my absolute favorite movies as a child, but I've never seen it on stage before. I find it a little nerve-wracking to go see a childhood favorite, as I worry about them doing my memories justice. But Bombshell knocked this one out of the park. Everything about this show was spectacular. The costumes (and the number of costume changes) were so perfect. The choreography was beautiful and high energy. And all the voices were truly wonderful. In fact, a couple leaving in front of me thought the performance was even better quality than some of the Broadway touring shows they'd seen at Marcus Performing Arts! So when I say all of these actors can SING, I don't mean they were good...for a community theatre, they are all truly talented. But I have to specifically call out the young actors who played the Banks children but OMG, they were so talented. (I saw Conor Freville and Kiona Schatzman.) They are in almost every scene and have a TON of lines, vocal solos, and choreography, and if they had ANY missteps, I didn't catch them!

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."