Mary Poppins is my absolute, hands-down favorite childhood movie. A big part of my fantasy life as a child involved floating tea parties, jumping into sidewalk chalk landscapes, winning carousel horse races and cleaning my room just by singing and clapping. Needless to say, when I heard Richard Eyre was bringing this wonderful story to the stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, I was ecstatic.

The show has become a smash hit across the pond in London, but I haven't seen it yet. I'm tempted to take a weekend trip to England just to hear the Chimney Sweep song performed live, but since the opening here is in just a few months I'll try to wait. It's a co-production of Disney Theatrical (known for their lush and delightful spectacles -- except Tarzan) and Cameron Mackintosh (the most financially successful theatrical producer in history), so there's pretty much a 100% chance it will be a rollicking good time and a huge moneymaker.

I have no expectation here of finding some deep, life-changing artistic message between the lines of text. I don't want a reinvention of the scenery or a clever modern take on the costumes. For even a hardened and cynical critic like me, Mary Poppins is one of those rare and lovely stories that is practically perfect in every way, just as it is and completely lacking in depth.

This classic storytelling, with music already built into the original, is exactly what musical theatre is supposed to be about. Mary Poppins, aside from her magic carpet bag, talking umbrella, and ability to slide up banisters, is best known for her sing-along inspiring songs. I defy you to name one person born after 1975 that didn't try and fail several times to sing along with Julie Andrews in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Go on, try. It's impossible.

Filling those very sensible Mary Poppins shoes in the upcoming production will be Ashley Brown, whose recent turn as Belle in Disney's On the Record has certainly prepared her well to play a flawless and kind nanny. Opposite her as Bert will be Gavin Lee, who originated the role in the London production.

All in all, Mary Poppins is poised to be the biggest thing on Broadway this season, and even before its inevitable Tony Awards and critical acclaim, I predict it will be warming the hearts of sold-out audiences from all over the country.

Mary Poppins
New Amsterdam Theatre

Show Dates:
Performances from 14 Oct 2006
Opening 16 Nov 2006
Closing Open-Ended

Performance Schedule:
Tuesday - Saturday @8pm
Wednesday and Saturday @2pm
Sunday @3pm

Production Credits:
Richard Eyre (Direction)
Matthew Bourne (Choreography/Co-Direction)
Bob Crowley (Set and Costume Design)
Stephen Mear (Co-Choreography)
Howard Harrison (Lighting Design)
Andrew Bruce (Sound Design)
William David Brohn (Orchestrations)
David Caddick (Musical Supervision)

Other Credits:
Lyrics by: Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman; with additional lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Music by: Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman; with additional music by George Stiles
Book by: Julian Fellowes