It’s a time-honored classic and the stuff of movie legend, so when Disney’s beloved “Mary Poppins” musical takes the stage this month in San Diego, guests may be surprised at the meaning this show will have for modern audiences.
“I think George Banks’ financial troubles are relevant for the modern audience because they present a real problem out of real life. I can’t imagine any adult watching the show today not relating to the character and his predicament: money problems,” says Banks’ portrayer Laird Mackintosh.
Despite the real-life resonance of financial hardship, audiences will also be treated to the fun, whimsical story of Mary Poppins, the mysteriously miraculous nanny who swoops in to care for the Banks’ wily crew of kids.
“I think the show itself is magical,” says 12-year-old Camille Mancuso, who is set to portray Jane Banks. “It appeals to adults because they grew up with [the movie]. The songs and dances are fun, and as performers, we know how much people in the audience enjoy the music because they know the lyrics.”
Camille, who has acted in other Disney musical tours such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” has been performing all of her life and joins an impressive cast of youngsters in this production.
Tyler Merna, 10, performed in several off-Broadway shows before signing on for the role of Michael Banks.
“The audience will enjoy the happiness of this show. It will teach them to respect family,” Tyler says, adding that the entire “Mary Poppins” cast and crew has “treated me like family.”
Marissa Smoker, 13, who alternates the role of Jane with Camille, says that her first national tour has been an “amazing” experience.
“Everyone is really great. It’s fun to perform with such lovely people,” Marissa says, adding that she has enjoyed the creative freedom of playing such a “naughty” character.
Talon Ackerman, 12, sharing duties with Tyler in the role of Michael Banks, has been performing since he was 4 years old, when he played the character of Chip in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Talon says that there are some surprises in store for San Diego audiences.
“When Mary Poppins snaps her fingers, magic happens,” Talon says, adding that among all his performances, this one ranks among his favorites.
Mackintosh adds, ”I always enjoy starting the show every performance, realizing that audience members will probably be pleasantly surprised to find that the show has more depth than they expected. They expect the story of the movie, but the musical gives the audience something more, while retaining everything we all know and love of the famous film.”
Presented by Broadway San Diego, the stage production is based on the original “Mary Poppins” series by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film that featured Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews, and will showcase the Academy Award-winning tunes and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
The show has earned rave reviews from audiences since its North American tour kicked off in 2009 in Chicago.
“Mary Poppins”
Aug. 10–21
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 7 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be a special matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Aug. 11.
Tickets prices start at $20 and can be purchased at the San Diego Civic Theatre Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com or by call 800-982-ARTS. To learn more, visit www.broadwaysd.com.
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Kerri S. Mabee is a long-time contributor to San Diego Family Magazine and a forever fan of all things Disney.
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