[NEohioPAL] REVIEW: Mary Poppins at Players Guild Theatre

[Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL]

Magical Medicine


By Tom Wachunas


 
    For those of usfamiliar with Disney’s 1964 family film classic, Mary Poppins, featuringthe memorable chemistry between Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, it might be understandable to wonderhow a stage version (this one opened on Broadway in 2006) featuring localtalent could possibly measure up. But perish the thought. This is, after all,the Players Guild Theatre, and just about every aspect of this mainstage offeringis, as the title of one song suggests, practically perfect.


  Directed by MichaelLawrence Akers (who also choreographed the show along with Bart Herman), thewell-practiced cast is, in a word, extraordinary. The big ensemble songs areexecuted with a practically tribal intensity, replete with luscious harmoniesand commanding choreographic bravura (even the final curtain call is anelectrifying act in itself), all skillfully synced with the vibrant live orchestraled by Steve Parsons. And the set pieces designed by Joshua Erichsen,especially the chimneyed London rooftops spread across the stage in Act Two,are impressive. 


   In the title roleof the nanny hired to serve the troubled Banks family in 1910 London, MegMartinez is an utterly magnetic presence, even if she does seem a bit nervoushanging on to her flying umbrella. She’s an eminently gifted singer as well asvery attentive to her character’s more subtle psychological underpinnings.  Yes, she’s genuinely bubbly and loving. Yetdespite her infectious charisma, she’s also a wise loner in a complicated sortof way, and fully capable of answering any sassy challenge to her position withsardonic wit.


   Those challengescome primarily in the form of George Banks, the family patriarch with misplacedpriorities, and early on, the rambunctious children, Jane and Michael. As theirascible Mr. Banks, Micah Harvey is compelling in his own right, obsessed withhis job as a banker and exuding a chilling detachment from his children as wellas his wife, Winifred, played by Amanda Medley. Like the children, she’sstarved for really authentic love. Medley’s piercing, bittersweet voice is apoignant embodiment of fragility, longing, and frustration initially, but asthe story progresses, we watch her gather confidence when her hopelessness is palpablytransformed into family healing. Through it all, young Brooklyn Fockler asJane, and Adam Petrosino as Michael, perform with endearing  - at times even startling – panache. To quoteanother iconic song, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius,they “…always sound precocious.” 


   Also quiteastonishing is the vivacious energy that the versatile Justin Edenhofer stirsup in his role of the street-hardened yet tender Bert (Dick Van Dyke’s role inthe film). He’s something of the amiable ringmaster of ceremonies here. And nowhereare his lithe and limber capabilities more  apparent than in the thrilling ensemblenumber, Step in Time, wherein he’sliterally soaring above the crowd, gingerly stepping across the twirling topsof wire brooms held aloft by his fellow Chimney Sweeps. An equally enchantedscene ensues a little earlier in Act Two as Michael (Adam Petrosino) gleefullyguides a spot-lighted kite that dances in the air above the stage during Let’s Go Fly a Kite.


   Among other delectable highlights arethe hilarious performances by Julie Connair and Matthew Heppe as theeasily-panicked household servants; Joey Cogan as both an animated marblestatue in the park and Jane’s haunted toy doll, Valentine; and Annie Giancolaas the stern and spooky Miss Andrew, a “holy terror” of a nanny who can singwith operatic intensity. 


    It’s far more thanjust a spoonful of sugar that makes Mary Poppins’ magical medicine go down withsuch efficacious and certainly entertaining, results. Sweet, even syrupy, to besure. But more importantly, this wondrous concoction is also laced through andthrough with an earnest message of real kindness and compassion – enough tosoften the hardest of hearts “…in a most delightful way.”      

    Mary Poppins, at Players Guild Theatre,1001Market Avenue N., Canton, Ohio/ THROUGH MAY 29 / Shows at 8 p.m. Friday andSaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday / Tickets: $26 adults, $23 seniors, $19 ages 17 andyounger,  at 330.453.7617 or  www.playersguildtheatre.com


    For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the performing and visual arts in the Cantonarea, please visit his blog, ARTWACH, at ARTWACH 


  
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