THEATER: Mary Poppins

Practically perfect MARY POPPINS is visiting Millbrook Playhouse at present. Having only ever seen the movie version, I could not wait to see how the special effects would translate to a live stage. Thanks to director/ choreographer Courtney Laine Self, the staging was the hit of the show. The “living props” were so much fun. I liked that lamps, windows, shelves, etc. were as interested in what was happening on stage as the audience was.

The dance numbers were lively and very much in rhythm with the show (pun intended). I would dare anyone to sit quietly while the chimney sweeps stepped in time. As energetic as “Step in Time” was, the pigeons in “Feed the Birds” were gentle and graceful.

Samantha Carroll was perfectly cast as Mary Poppins. Her voice is beautiful with an amazing range. Ms. Carroll also captured the perfectly  prim, overly confidant Mary Poppins, well, perfectly. We get a chance to hear her voice later this season in Guys and Dolls.

Bert was played by Spencer Streno with  great energy. Spencer also has a good voice and he had the ability to lead the dancers through the demanding dance numbers.

The sometimes overlooked role of Mrs. Banks was played by the lovely Catherine Deluce. There was no overlooking Ms. Deluce. Not only does she have a thrilling voice, she handled the change from sweet little wife and mother to the strong “deal with me” fighter when her husband needed her.

The return of Tom Lavallee to Millbrook pleased me very much. Tom played Mr. Banks, the man who learns to become a warm and loving father and husband. Tom Lavallee is a name that you might want to remember. Not only does he have a very good voice, every word and note is clear and distinct, he also has a range of acting skills. He will be playing one my favorite theatrical roles in the upcoming Guys and Dolls.

As the Banks children, Kendall Eichenlaub  and Elizabeth Shaffer were a delight. They were very professional, had pleasant voices, and they seemed to be having a very good time on stage.  That is always contagious to an audience, especially when it involves young children.

Three sporting actors have to be mentioned. Bebe Mae Tabickman as Mrs. Brill the housekeeper, and Matthew Fairlee as Robertson, the butler. Both were more than up to doing the physical comedy required for their role. (note: Bebe, if I were as attractive in real life as you are, I would never hide behind character makeup. Good job).  

Also worth watching were Brendan Rosell and Charles Walljasper Robinson. Although, you may have to look carefully for them.

This was a good production, but the sound system came close to making it a disaster for me. It may have been where we were seated but my group had trouble hearing over the band. It was an annoyance during the vocal solos, but terrible as undermusic during some of the speeches. Way too loud! I feel confident that the problem will be solved for future performances.

MARY POPPINS closes July 3rd. Leading Ladies opens on the 26th of June in the Cabaret. Call 570-748-8083 for box office information or visit their website for tickets and more information.