Review: Mary Poppins at Starlight
I love Julie Andrews. Her two most famous films, Sound of Music and Mary Poppins (and I also adore Dick Van Dyke) are two of the very few films I have memorized. My children and I have read the original Mary Poppins stories by P.L. Travers and I must confess that they (along with The Rescuers and The Jungle Book) were greatly improved by Disney in my opinion. I much prefer Disney's Poppins from the film ("She must be kind, she must be witty. Very kind and fairly pretty") over Travers' original Poppins from the book (quite stern and serious). Watching Andrews on film, I thought it would be wonderful to have a nanny exactly like her (I never had a nanny at all). Reading the books, I had no interest in meeting Mary in person. And the controversy in the two interpretations of Mary Poppins became the stuff of legend and ultimately film as last winter Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson portrayed Walt Disney and P. L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks the story behind the making of the film. Watching that film, I fell even more in love with the Sherman Brothers' soundtrack for the film and even more devoted to Disney's version of Mary and Bert.
Several years ago, Disney decided to bring Mary Poppins to Broadway with a new script, several new songs, and several familiar tunes. This summer, Mary Poppins the play is showing at Starlight thru Aug. 2.
The new musical is more faithful to Travers books, including characters from the books that were missing from the film (the servant Roberston Ay, Von Hussler, and others) and portraying Mary as more stern, strict, and magical. Favorite songs from the film are featured, Step In Time being my favorite on stage with fantastic choreography and stunts from the chimney sweeps. The sets take us back to merry old London, the costumes are vibrant, and the special effects and magic are fantastic - don't blink you just might miss one of the fun tricks in the tale!
Tip: Be sure to stay through the final bow! There are magical surprises all the way to the very end!
With top-notch choreography, sets, and special effects (this show is full of magical surprises), you would never guess that Mary Poppins was produced by Starlight in just three weeks. Last summer, Analisa Leaming wowed us at Starlight in Julie Andrews' other most-famous role as Maria in Sound of Music. This summer, she's flying overhead and teaching us all how to say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious -backward as Mary Poppins. Analisa's Mary is a blend of Julie Andrews' film adaptation and the Mary envisioned by P.L. Travers in the book - leaning a bit more to Travers' version. Matthew LaBanca is a capable Bert, a role that it is part narrator in this version and part BFF to Mary. Fiona Scott and Maddox Bane are delightful as the children. And the rest of the cast is comprised of talented singers and dancers.
Fans of the film will enjoy favorite songs performed to new choreography and story-telling and the addition of new songs that are fun and catchy. Our favorite scenes were Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Step in Time, both well choreographed. And, as mentioned before - be sure to stay for the end! The finale magic is worth the price of admission and had my children beaming all the way home.
My girls all enjoyed the show and were happily chattering about it all the way home and the next day. That, is what I love about Starlight! Sharing the magic of theater and storytelling and capturing the imaginations of the child in all of us.
Tips for Starlight Theatre:
- Keep Hydrated and cool: You may bring 1 sealed bottle of water per guest into the theater. Complimentary water stations are located at the North and East Guest Relations. Water misters are placed throughout the theater for guest convenience. And, Starlight has drinking fountains throughout the theater. You may also want to bring a small handheld fan to keep cool.
- Tips BEFORE the Show: I have my girls (even older girls) nap in the afternoon prior to a Starlight show and I clear our calendar the following morning allowing them to sleep as late as possible (and possibly nap again the next day). The show does start at bedtime. We also pack pajamas in our van to change in the car so sleepy kiddos can be carried directly into bed after.
- Booster seats: A limited supply of complimentary booster seats is available at the Ovation gift store and Information Booths throughout the theater.
- Preshow Tours: Arrive early and get a free, behind-the-scenes look at Starlight and learn about Starlight’s rich history in Kansas City. Tours begin before each performance at three convenient times: 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Patrons interested in touring Starlight Theatre should report to the top of the theatre behind Terrace Section 1 to begin their facility tours.
- Interpreted Performances: The Sunday evening performance of each Starlight Broadway musical is interpreted for the deaf/hard-of-hearing. Two interpreters are positioned on the stage, house right. Patrons can view the interpreters from sections 4 and 6 of the Orchestra and Plaza sections. Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons may purchase tickets by calling Kansas Relay at 800.766.3777 or Missouri Relay at 800.735.2966. Additionally, the Saturday evening performance of each Starlight Broadway musical is interpreted via audio description for the visually impaired. Special seating is not required to utilize this service. Simply visit our Ovation gift store and leave your ID in exchange for one of the listening devices. Return the device after the performance, and a member of our friendly Customer Service team will return your ID.
- Assisted listening devices: Assisted listening devices are available free of charge for every performance. Visit the Ovation gift store and leave your driver's license in exchange for one of the listening devices. Following the performance, please return the device to the store and pick up your ID.
- Courtesy shuttles: This summer six-passenger shuttles patrol the main parking areas, providing assistance for those who most need it.
- Wheelchair assistance: Patrons needing special assistance may be dropped off near any of the roadside gates. Gate 4 (NW corner, closest to Terrace 6), Gate 6 (NE corner, closest to Terrace 7) or Gate 7 (SE corner) are all designated drop-off points. Starlight is also pleased to provide wheelchair assistance from the drop-off point to a seat location prior to the show, and back to the drop-off point after the show. Just let the staff at the gate know that you’d like to take advantage of this service. Due to the limited number of staff trained to negotiate the tricky terrain with a wheelchair, you may have to wait just a few minutes until they are able to accommodate you. (Please be patient!)
- Preshow Dining: A delicious dinner buffet is offered before the show. Learn more about preshow dining.