Still practically perfect in every way. Mary Poppins opens at Auckland’s Civic Theatre.
Theatre is officially back in business in Auckland with the opening of a brilliant local production of Mary Poppins at the Civic Theatre. A much-needed spoon full of sugar after a hiatus of six months for the classic venue, which is now the largest theatre to reopen since Covid-19 shut down the West End and Broadway.
Produced by The Amici Trust, the company behind the staging of November’s sold-out season of Les Misérables, this multi-award winning musical is here to help repair our souls and lift our spirits. And, despite a few first night glitches, it succeeds in doing just that. The all-New Zealand cast under the direction of Russell Dixon delivers an energetic and heartfelt performance belting out those classic Poppins tunes we all know and love.
The story fuses elements from the Mary Poppins children’s books by P. L. Travers and the much loved 1964 film where Julie Andrews created her now iconic Poppins. The production transports us to Cherry Tree Lane, London 1910, where Mr and Mrs. Banks live with their two unruly children Jane and Michael (not a codfish). George Banks is obsessed with ‘Precision and Order’ while Winifred Banks is searching for her purpose other than ‘Being Mrs Banks’. After the children scare off yet another nanny, there’s only one person who can help….. the practically perfect (adopt faux cockney accent) Mary Poppins!
The big ensemble numbers were real show stoppers, from the somewhat trippy walk in the park for ‘Jolly Holiday’, to the brightly coloured euphoria of ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, and the toe-tapping highlight of the night (and chimney sweep anthem) ‘Step in Time’. Consistently, the choreography from Jeremy Hinman was fun and feisty with all the little ‘Poppins’ flourishes you could wish for. And, in a successfully executed change of beat and mood, ‘Feed the Birds’ was beautifully performed by Jane Horder.
The talented principle cast proves that local productions are as worthy of your dollars as any international show. At the helm of all the high notes was the brilliant Shaan Kloet playing Ms Poppins herself. She was every bit the part ensuring there was never any doubt that she held the key to magic and wonder. Hamish Mouat as Burt was full of beans from start to finish and the right level of joyous cheeky cockney (he avoids going full Dick Van Dyke).
Shining throughout the night were Gabrielle Copley and Lukas Maher as the Banks children. They were adorable and pitch-perfect, giving excellent performances both dramatically and vocally. I also especially enjoyed the transformation of George Banks during the show with Nick Brown delivering a comical and emotive performance. Amongst all the niceness, there must also be a villain, and this was presented in the wonderfully hideous Miss Andrew, played with vile brilliance by Theresa Wells.
The set design by John Harding was striking and versatile. A huge box revolved and opened to reveal different locations while projections decorated the plain white walls from wallpaper or the London skyscape.
Receiving a standing ovation, the cast dedicated the night to the global arts community which is taking such a devastating hit during 2020. Aucklanders are so lucky to have the opportunity to see a theatrical spectacle like this so if you have the means you should get yourself a ticket to this feel-good show spit spot.
Mary Poppins is on at Auckland’s Civic Theatre until 1 November.
Reviewed by Ingrid Grenar.