Houston is Having a Jolly Holiday with MARY POPPINS

Everyone's favorite nanny, Mary Poppins, has taken up residency in Houston's Hobby Center for the next three weeks.  I attended the opening night of this Disney musical based on the children's books and movie of the same name.

Most people find the following statement shocking:  I have never seen Mary Poppins (the movie) in its entirety.  It hadn't particularly interested me as a child or adult, even after I became interested in musicals, though I can't articulate why.  When the opportunity arose to see the stage production in Houston, I decided it as time to give it a legitimate chance.

I found myself transported back to childhood moments that I hadn't actually experienced, though it felt like I had.  I knew most of the songs, as they've become part of the pop culture vernacular, but seeing them accompanied by the theatrical elements that come along with a Disney budget made them that much more spectacular.

A personal observation I made about the story was that no one really asks why Mary Poppins can do what she can do, and when curiosity arises, everyone accepts Mary's dismissal of the question without debate.  However, with the amount of control and power Mary has over the family, children, and everyone she comes across (except her dear friend Bert), she remains the lovable character that we know so well.  I think that in any other story, she would be perceived as a devious witch, but she manages to be "practically perfect" as Mary Poppins.

The current US Tour features Ashley Brown, who originated the role on Broadway, and Gavin Lee, the original Bert in London and Broadway.  It was clear to me that Ashley Brown owns that stage role, and I question what the experience would have been without her, as she was practically perfect.

If you have children, or if you're a child at heart, make sure you catch Mary Poppins while it's in town.  It's playing at Hobby Center through November 8, and tickets are available through Broadway Across America.

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