BWW Reviews: MARY POPPINS Engages All Ages

I decided to play hooky from my own rehearsals, so that I could head downtown and see Red Mountain Theatre Company's production of MARY POPPINS. It was definitely worth my time.

First off, any time I can see so many young people enjoying theatre, many of them for the first time, I am very happy. MARY POPPINS is the perfect play with which to introduce your children to the theatre. This production is of a high quality, it is fast paced, visually stunning and appealing to children.

That doesn't mean adults won't love it just as much. A few of the subplots between Mr. and Mrs. Banks keep it interesting for the more discriminating theatre going adults, as well as reminding us of when we saw MARY POPPINS in the movie theaters as children ourselves. Most parents will relate to one of my favorite lines, "There is no one so hard to teach, as a child who knows everything!"

Kristen Sharp as Mary Poppins is "practically perfect in every way." From her first entrance until her final exit soaring over the audience, umbrella in hand, she delivers a flawless performance. With a beautiful voice and the no nonsense, yet loving character you expect from MARY POPPINS, Ms. Sharp delivers "in every way."

Con O'Shea-Creal as Bert is also a stand out performer and superior dancer. The musical number "Step In Time" is one of the most outstanding I have seen on any stage in years. Being partial to tap and not seeing it often enough, that part of the choreography was thrilling to me and was carried off with precision. The choreography as a whole was sometimes a little unbalanced, but "Step In Time" was truly amazing and makes up for any small flaws in other sections.

Emily Herring as Mrs. Banks, Mike Stephens as Mr. Banks, and Amy Johnson as Miss Brill, the housekeeper, are certainly stand outs in their own right. In actuality, I could list the whole cast here since the entire show was top notch from top to bottom.

My only complaint would be a few incongruous characters thrown into some of the large musical numbers and some holes in the plot. As always, I am willing to believe in flying nannies, statues that come to life, etc. but wish writers would not let more practical discrepancies slide.

Overall, MARY POPPINS is one of the most delightful plays I have seen in a while and I urge everyone, but especially families with children of an age to enjoy a special night out, to take the time to go see this production. You will laugh, get teary eyed, and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it.

To get tickets go to www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 205-324-2424.