5th Avenue Theatre’s “Mary Poppins”

Originally published on social media on November 24th, 2024

The 5th Avenue Theatre out-did themselves in this production of Broadway quality. I am in awe of these talented actors, orchestra, choreographers, and especially the set and costume designers. To be in the audience for this “Mary Poppins” is to witness a unique magic and an enduring sense of love.

I had immediate goosebumps and definite tears in my eyes the first time @mallory.cooney.king descended from the sky. Mallory’s resemblance to Julie Andrews is uncanny and it truly felt like you were meeting the original Mary Poppins of Walt Disney’s vision. This is where the costume department truly excelled — I am still not fully convinced they didn’t raid the Disney Archives for these timeless pieces.

Similar to the experience of watching the movie, audiences can expect to feel cheery during the “Jolly Holiday” sequence, optimistic during “A Spoonful of Sugar,” energetic during “Step in Time,” and moved to tears by “Feed the Birds.” Tied for favorite with “Feed the Birds”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” offers such precise and superb choreography that made the sequence even more entertaining than the original.

The original film will always have a special place in my heart, but Cameron Mackintosh’s additions to the plot and music enhanced the story of Mary Poppins to a level I didn’t know was possible. To give you an idea, George Banks was my favorite character, and he is harder to love in the original film. The script changes are so thoughtful and pure, making it challenging to summarize. No matter how much it costs, I can assure you that this musical is worth it.

There was one scene I could do without, and all I’m going to tell you is that it involves toy clowns. Actually, I’ll rephrase that: the scene is necessary to the plot and clearly designed, but there are enough toys in the scene that no one would miss the clowns. In a show so grand and well executed, it’s amazing that its only flaw was so minor and really dependent on personal preference.

I bought tickets for this show for a date before Thanksgiving very purposefully because I never felt that Mary Poppins was a Christmas story. 5th Avenue Theatre changed my mind. Go see it for yourself.