F. J. Hartland

When Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about the six elements of theatre, he listed spectacle as the least important.

The current tour of Mary Poppins could serve as a good example of why Aristotle knew what he was talking about.

Don’t get me wrong…all the special effects in Mary Poppins are, well, spectacular.  The set is stunning and moves flawlessly.  The lighting is superb.  The dancing is breath-taking.  The costumes are colorful.  Magical effects abound.  And Mary Poppins flies…several times.

It is a beautiful show to watch…so why was I so bored?

Many of the characters are flat…whatever conflict exists is contrived—and you know it’s going to be easily solved.  Quite frankly, there just isn’t enough of a story here to justify a running time of two hours and forty-five minutes.

Most of the material from the original film still works; much of the new material does not.  In particular the production number “Playing the Game” adds nothing to the show but time.

(And for those fans of the movie song “I Love to Laugh,” you’re out of luck.  It’s gone.  And why?  It suits itself ideally to this spectacle-driven production.  And what about Admiral Boom’s cannon?  This adaptation portrays him as a lecherous old man).

An addition that does work is the reappearance of Mr. Banks’ former nanny Miss Andrews (a jab at Julie Andrews, star of the film?)  Ellen Harvey is funny and scary all at the same time! 

Blythe Wilson makes a lovely and charming Mrs. Banks.  Rachel Izen adds much humor as the housekeeper Mrs. Brill.  And Mary VanArsdel is touching as the Bird Woman.

Caroline Sheen looks the part of Mary Poppins but comes across somewhat dull.  (In her defense, the character is somewhat flat).  And Nicolas Dromard’s Bert lacked the charisma and charm the role requires.

A huge hats off to the hard-working ensemble.  Not only do they make their way through countless costume changes, they perform Michael Bourne’s choreography beautifully. (And bless them for having the energy to do it twice a day when there’s a matinee!)

Bob Crowley’s Tony-winning set is marvelous…alternating between colorful backdrops and black-and-white drawings.  Ditto on his detailed costumes.  Howard Harrison’s lighting nearly steals the show. 

If you like your musicals long on flash and short on substance, than Mary Poppins is the show for you! 

Mary Poppins continues through  January 23 at the Benedum Center.