There is nothing quite like the experience of seeing a musical live on stage in New York City. On any given night (minus the “dark” days) the theaters on Broadway are bustling with locals and visitors with a passion for the arts. But just a short time ago, the area where The New Amsterdam Theatre is located, was a very different place. Many may not know that Disney played an integral part in cleaning up this area around Broadway and Times Square, making it the tourist destination it is today.
Having seen Mary Poppins in Orange County earlier this year, I was very excited and intrigued to see the musical performed at this iconic theater, which along with the Lyceum Theatre, is the oldest surviving venue for the arts on Broadway. The theater boasts a rich history, one that visitors will soon be able to experience when tours are officially offered next year. Stay tuned for our own personal tour of the theater and the latest information on Disney’s newest Broadway musical.
With a cast who’s vocals and talent will amaze you, music and lyrics from the legendary Sherman Brothers, artistic sets that comes to life, and some impressive “stunts” where Mary is seen flying over the audience and Bert tap dances on the ceiling, Mary Poppins is a musical sensation not to be missed. The musical, which initially opened in London 7 years ago, is one of the longest running shows on Broadway.
The story is familiar, with some unexpected twists, drawing inspiration from the classic 1964 film and the series of children’s books authored by P.L. Travers. It’s London in the early 1900’s, and the Banks family represent your traditional troubled British family where the father works too much, the mother unsuccessfully attempts to keep everything in order, and the children run rampant. Enter Mary Poppins, the enchanted, if not magical English nanny who is confident in her “practically perfect” ability to make a difference within this family.
Mary Poppins’ approach is quite different from what is deemed “traditional.” She takes Jane and Michael on a series of magical adventures throughout the city, each of which teaches important life lessons such as self control, manners, consideration for others, and looking past appearances. Mary Poppins doesn’t conform to societal norms…she talks to and engages with The Bird Woman who is shunned and overlooked by passerbys…she boldly brings Jane and Michael to their father’s place of employment to help Mr. Banks understand the importance of his family… And when the “winds change” and her “work” is complete, she’s gone…just as quickly as she appeared.
It’s a beloved story of a broken family, who, with the help of Mary Poppins, come to realize what is truly important in life. The story alone is strong enough to carry the musical to it’s success. However, the combination of spectacular lighting and set design, nostalgic, foot-tapping music, and a bit of Disney magic, Mary Poppins is a brilliant production that will be remembered long after the curtain closes.
See it on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
No compensation was received for this post. All expenses related to the trip provided by Disney/DreamWorks.
Photo Credit: Disney
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