We saw Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, 29 May 2006. If you like the movie, you will like this play. If you love the movie, you will like this play. If you hate the movie, you will absolutely despise this play with a passion. In true Disney fashion, they’ve taken the movie, put it on stage, added a few songs (and removed a few) and coupled it with a huge Production Number to move you.
Mary was fantastic — and a great voice. And the way she walked up stairs was so cool I can’t describe it. However, all-in-all, I was underwhelmed. I don’t have much to say, really, besides the quick summary above. This one is not like Lion King, destined for a full multi-year run. It lacks that little spark that makes it magical — and Mary Poppins needs to be magical. This is just another entertaining fluff-filled musical.
The next night we saw Billy Elliot (Previous Blog Entry) a much better play. See that instead.