Mary's Magic at Wharton

Those of us of a certain age remember when the movie Mary Poppins burst forth into American culture (1964). The great talent and charisma of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke along with the mind-blowing high tech effect of combining live action with animation was astounding back then.

I am surprised that it took this long to convert that great screen success to a Broadway musical. But Disney along with Cameron Mackintosh finally did it. And they were successful.

Now playing at East Lansing's Wharton Center until November 21, Poppins beguiles with magic galore, great talent and charm.

The stage production keeps most of our movie memories intact (although I wish they could have found a way to add the delightful Ed Wynn "I love to Laugh" scene, when he and Van Dyke float to the ceiling in non-stop chuckles). We still revel in the beloved songs of "A Spoonful of Sugar, "Supercali...", etc, but there are also some additions: a bad nanny has been inserted, as well as a magical Caribbean sorcerer.

But all in all, this is a fun-loving and endearing production that features a set that is constantly changing and surprising, without wasting a minute.

Caroline Sheen as the mysterious nanny called Mary, displays a light and lovely voice, but best of all manages to telegraph a wonderful twinkle in her eye that says, "don't take me too seriously". As Bert the lovable chimney sweep, Nicolas Droman is like an old-fashioned English music hall chap - tap dancing with glee and mugging through every scene.

But I was particularly infatuated with 9-year-old Cade Canon Ball as Michael Banks. His voice is pitch-perfect and he captures the audience with his comic acting and dancing.

The other star of the show is the production itself. The sets and special effects are complex, creative and masterful but don't take away from the story or the talent on the stage. Disney at its best!

As by current Broadway standards, the show flies along at a breakneck speed. At times it was a problem. I would have liked a bit more time spent (and slower tempos) with "Feed The Birds" and "Let's Go Fly A Kite".

Some new songs are added and they are almost as good as the original spectacular score by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman.

Without question, the best part of the evening was watching the excited faces of the all the kids in the audience who were entranced by the whole spectacle - especially when Mary Poppins was flying. Yes, it was true theater magic.