Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Let’s repeat that one more time, and this time, might as well sing it out loud. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It’s a good bet you’ll be singing the song that goes by that title if (and you should) you see the Hawaii
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Let’s repeat that one more time, and this time, might as well sing it out loud.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
It’s a good bet you’ll be singing the song that goes by that title if (and you should) you see the Hawaii Childrens’ Theater productions of Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” This is a magical, fun-filled musical packed with song, dance, smiles and what seems to be endless energy that radiates from the cast and crew.
Often, in musicals, they drag, hit a lull, perhaps a few too many numbers. Not so with Mary Poppins directed by Carol Culver. It starts strong, gains steam and finishes so well that everyone rises to sing along with the finale. And it’s almost a sure thing you’ll be singing along throughout the show, too.
Tickets are $15 at the door, and that’s the best $15 you’ll likely ever spend. So good is it, you might want to go twice.
From “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” to “Chim-Chimney,” to “Anything Can Happen,” each song, under the watch of musical director Alan Van Zee, is delivered with heart.
There are so many outstanding performances and scenes, it’s difficult to point out a few without feeling like someone or something got left out, but here goes:
Mary Poppins opens with Bert played by Talon Ahnan. That’s fitting because he is a sheer delight to watch and if you can steal a show, he does it. The man — in his voice and with his eyes — expresses joy, wonder and appreciation every moment he’s on the stage and you wonder how he does it. It’s like he was born to play this part, and he plays it to perfection. He can act. He can sing. He can dance.
And yes, Ahnan showed off some aerial acrobatics, too, during a scene in act two, “Step in Time.” This is perhaps the best scene of a musical chock full of great scenes. The chimney sweeps turned dancers are brilliant with fantastic choreography. It’s a pleasure to watch and frankly, you’ll be blown away.
Mary Poppins is played by Erin Gaines and she displays a beautiful singing voice with “Spoonful of Sugar” and carries herself with the grace and dignity and mystery that Mary Poppins is known for. She unexpectedly arrives and quietly departs, her work with the Banks family finished. She looks much like you would expect Mary Poppins to look, too, even matching Julie Andrews with a smile that lights up the stage. She flies with proper posture.
George and Winified Banks, the parents of Jane and Michael, are terrific. George (played by James Warrack) comes across as the serious, no nonsense, by the numbers banker who slowly, but surely, realizes people have a place in this world and he wakes up to the fact that he has a family that loves him. Warrack does a fine job showing the transformation of his character.
And Winifield (played by Jessika Montoya) is the patient, good-hearted, loving wife and mom who shows off an outstanding voice when it’s her turn to sing. So strong is her performance, it’s as if she’s not acting. This is real life.
The house servants, Robertson Ay and Mrs. Brill, are played by Gabriel McMullen and Tara Randol. These two aren’t often in the spotlight, but when they are, they shine. Both showcase a knack for humor, through words, facial expressions and body language, that always adds laughter.
There are many moments that will make you chuckle. One is when Miss Andrew (played by Darlene McLeod) leaned so close to the children, they bent back like Gumbies. How did they do that?
When all the toys come out for “Playing the Game,” Valentine (played by Beorn Chantara) and the doll (played by Talia Abrams) are fascinating. And watch for the Jack in the Box. He’s pretty cool.
And when they’re flying that kite, it’s flying!
The children, by the way, are being played by two sets on different nights. Jane is played by Mia Thompson and Kaile McKeown, while Michael is played by Jeremiah Garcia and Tanner Hubbard.
And kudos must go to the crew that so quickly sets the stage for each new scene. Well done.
The final word on HCT’s Mary Poppins: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
It is a top-notch production that deserves to have a sold-out show every night. Besides, it will leave you feeling like you want to go fly a kite or perhaps like you want to soar away with an umbrella in hand. And that, as Mary Poppins knows, is the stuff of childhood dreams that fills your heart with joy.
Mary Poppins runs 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at War Memorial Convention Hall, and again next weekend. Closing night is Nov. 29.
Ticket are $15 at the door or $12 online at www.hawaiichildrenstheatre.org
