Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins
Inspire Creative
PACE Center
Parker, CO
January 15-31, 2016

Tickets for the PACE Center's Mary Poppins were very difficult to get. Every year at this time, PACE presents a family-oriented show. However, the reaction to Mary Poppins is unlike any I have seen.

In this case, the show fulfilled the hype. The show featured a detailed set, wonderful costumes and a talented cast who took this dark twist on the famous Disney movie to new heights.

The casting of Bert and Mary Poppins was "practically perfect." While Bert slipped from one occupation to another, the transitions were smooth. This Mary Poppins was sassier than her film counterpart, but her confidence and charm had the audience believing every bit of it. The actors playing the children were clearly much older than their characters should have been which made their misbehavior seem nasty instead of playful. Mr. Banks was particularly well performed. His dedication to "precision and order" felt authentic and the turning points which lead to his climatic epiphany were clear and moving.

Most memorable were the dance sequences. "Jolly Holiday" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"were rousing and fun. But "Step In Time" took it to a whole new level. The entire cast participated in the dancing. The combination of separate steps for some groups and return to unison kept it fresh. The song also featured Bert walking up one side of the proscenium - a clear salute to the Broadway choreography.

The costumes for the ensemble were characters in themselves. As each scene shifted the complete transformation of the actors didn't feel like we are seeing the same actors in new roles. The bright colors for the sequences "Jolly Holiday" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" clearly drew the line between fantasy and reality.

The set was effective overall. It did seem poorly planned to have crew members remove and replace the furniture for the Banks' living room over and over again. The creation of the children's bedroom on top of the living room seemed like a good idea, but the sight lines at some seats were compromised and the safety railing often blocked the actors faces while they sat on the beds. However, the projected backgrounds were excellent for scene changes and special effects.

It is clear to see why PACE has such a hit on their hands. And as an added touch of magic, the actors in costume were available for meet and greet after the performance.