Disney is all about bringing the magic to life and it seemed natural to adapt P. L. Travers’ children’s books about a magical English nanny into a musical film. Even more brilliant was bringing the story to life on-stage. Mary Poppins, the stage musical, first performed on Broadway in 2006 and is still performing for sold out audiences today. But you don’t have to travel to New York City to experience the music and magic of this hit Broadway musical. For four weeks this summer, Mary Poppins will perform live at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Photo Credit: Steve Dawson
A little over a week ago, legendary composer Richard Sherman, producer Thomas Schumacher, and stars Steffanie Leigh (Mary Poppins) and Nicolas Dromard (Bert) treated a small group of members and press to a preview and behind-the-scenes look at the hit musical.
Thomas Schumacher, who is president of Disney Theatrical Group, gave audiences some background on how the 1930’s books evolved into the musical sensation it is today. Richard Sherman, who co-wrote the score with his brother Robert, joined Schumacher for a lively, musical journey back in time. He talked about how the music was purposefully written to reflect Mary Poppins’ character. For example, throughout the story, Mary Poppins does the thing you don’t expect. When writing A Spoonful of Sugar, the melody was written so that it would go up (the unexpected) rather than down (which is what is expected).
Richard Sherman talks about writing A Spoonful of Sugar
Also discussed was the origin of the silly word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which doesn’t actually appear in the original books. The Sherman brothers used to make up double talk words…”crazy, silly words that nobody understood.” They wanted to give Mary Poppins a word to give to the children, and in two weeks, they came up with the word that has evolved into the noteworthy song it is today.
Dreaming up the word “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
In the musical, Burt tap dances on the ceiling in a very popular scene. But did you know that in the books, his part is actually quite small. How does a minor character who barely exists in the book take on such a prominent role in the film and musical?
Burt’s character evolves
Audiences who are already familiar with the film and it’s story might find themselves singing along with the cast. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of a musical is the music! Our preview concluded with a special performance by Steffanie Leigh, who plays Mary Poppins and Nicolas Dromard, who plays Bert. Here is a sneak preview that is certain to get you excited about the upcoming production!
Photo Credit: Steve Dawson
Steffanie Leigh and Nicolas Dromard
Mary Poppins, the “roof-raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza” debuts at Segerstrom Hall on July 14th and will run through August 7th, 2011. Tickets can be purchased online, via phone or in person at the box office.
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a preview of the show.
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