Review: MARY POPPINS Electrifies with Effects

This past weekend, Bethel College put on a fantastic rendition of the classic musical, Mary Poppins. The music and lyrics are written by the Sherman Brothers while the script is written by Julian Fellowes. The show is based on children's books by P. L. Travers and the consequent famous Disney film. The degree to which Bethel College went above and beyond to make such a monumental show come to life speaks volumes to their abilities as a theatre department.

While there were many amazing performances throughout the entire show, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention two very specific ones. First, Bay Cope set a high standard for the rest of the actors with her performance as the title character, Mary Poppins. Cope never faltered in her portrayal of Mary Poppins, always embodying every physical characteristic of a "practically perfect" nanny. Copes voice is beautiful, traveling across the enormous auditorium, commanding attention with ease with its robustness but also sweet melodious sound. While it was hard to understand her sometimes due to her enunciation, Cope is a certified triple threat: she danced, sang, and acted into every audience member's heart.

The second talent is Joshua Maurer, who played the character Bert, a pseudo narrator for the story. Maurer's performance was perfect - there is nothing to note about what Maurer faltered on or could improve. He was always the performer to be excited for in the next scene.

The real star of the show however, was the production quality and more specifically, the set. From the very beginning the high expectation was set with a stunning city backdrop that had sparkling, lit up windows. The rest of the show spared no quality detail either; there were set pieces that turned to reveal different rooms, could break and then fix themselves, and beautifully painted scenery. The high production value doesn't end there: lighting that reflected hours in the day or when it rained, costumes that were finely detailed, a seemingly endless bag that held full-sized lamps and other room décor, and much, much, more. The real stunner however, was when Mary Poppins flew across the stage. There was an initial gasp from the entire audience at such an amazing feat, and then ooo's and awww's as she glided her way across stage. Not only did Mary Poppins fly, but Bert "walked" up sides of buildings in slow motion attached to the same apparatus that allowed Mary to float. It was truly a sight to see.

The ensemble of the entire show deserves high praise. With such a vast number, the ensemble was crucial to bringing the entire show alive with fantastical musical numbers and by playing a vast array of colorful characters. Without them, the show would not have been the same.

Overall, the show was fantastic! While not perfect (with some minor hiccups such as line dropping and poorly executed dance numbers) the show has more than earned its laurels. It was a true testament to what a college theatre department can achieve. Not only did Bethel College go above and beyond making the production value of the Mary Poppins outstanding, it also had star talent to bolster it further. If you haven't already, be sure to add them to your theatre roundup.

Photo Credit: Photos taken from the Bethel College Theatre Department Facebook page.

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