Theater review

Most delightful Mary Poppins a practically perfect production

Mary Poppins, which opened Friday night at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, is a rollicking show, far more than just a theatrical version of a hit Disney movie.

Director Donna Drake and choreographer Rhonda Miller have done superb work in creating not only the biggest production in the Rep's 39-year history but also one of its most endearing in years. Adults will enjoy this show every bit as much as the kids, who will give them a good excuse to recapture some of their childlike wonder.

Elizabeth DeRosa has the star power to carry the title role of the magical nanny who helps rescue a troubled English family, thanks to a saucy bearing, perfect comic timing and a twinkle in her eyes. Brian Letendre, as jack-of-all-trades Bert, is her able partner in many of her adventures.

The dance routines are anything but routine, especially those in "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Step in Time" (where the chimney sweeps show their stuff). It's lots of fun to hear so many great singers tackle those plus "Practically Perfect," "A Spoonful of Sugar, "Let's Go Fly a Kite" and "Chim Chim Cher-ee."

One of the cast's most memorable voices belongs to Q. Smith as Miss Andrew, "The Holy Terror," the nanny who had control over father George Banks when he was young, who dominates the Banks kids when Poppins abruptly leaves for a brief period.

Not surprisingly, the kids are really good, too. You can tell that Addison Rae Dowdy (Jane) and Madison Stolzer (Michael) are having more fun than anyone. Tom Souhrada as paterfamilias George manages the difficult task of bringing to life their workaholic father, who like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol finally sees the proper light in a very touching scene. Karen Q. Clark ably plays his long-suffering wife, Winifred.

Rafael Colon Castenera's costumes are reason enough to see the show. The sets are also a wonder of creative design. And the flying scenes involving Poppins and her magic umbrella are nicely executed.

The show -- music and lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman, new music and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, book by Julian Fellowes, co-created for the stage by Cameron Mackintosh -- continues through April 12 at the Rep, Sixth and Main streets, Little Rock. Ticket information is available at (501) 378-0405 or online at therep.org/attend.

Metro on 03/08/2015

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