Mary Poppins - June 11, 2010 : Broadway Across America Series Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl

There are always memories from childhood that we gleefully carry with us as adults. One of my favorites is my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1972. I can't recall the whole trip but there moments and flashes that fondly flood back into my mind, especially when looking back at the old photographs. You just can't beat that warm familiar feeling of excitement when the good times are remembered. Since I've grown over the years I've been fortunate enough to continue to carry with me that same love for Disney. Though the trips are now fewer and far between because of adult obligations there is still a thrill when my foot steps onto Mainstreet in the Magic Kingdom. Looking down that long magical road of brightly lit stores, the smell of cotton candy, turkey legs, and the sight of Cinderella's castle winking at me as I walk closer, makes the old seem young again.

The film 'Mary Poppins,' as well as a couple of other Disney treasures continues to hold onto my imagination even now. Before there was 'Nanny 911,' 'Supernanny,' etc. there was Dame Julie Andrews as the most popular and incredible nanny in the world. She made the medicine go down with a spoon full of sugar, sung with the bluebirds, and hopped the roof tops of London. Even today Julie Andrews holds a special place in my heart. Being fortunate enough to have actually met the woman a few years ago what I can tell you is; she is 100% all class. Her heart is as warm as her smile and as gentle as her handshake. There are very few people I can honestly say those things about.

Being the fact that 'Poppins,' is a musical a trip to the Broadway stage is a no brainer. The film itself originally released in 1964 starring Andrews and Dick Van Dyke (Bert, London's most famous and charming chimney sweep) was visually stunning. There were for the most part absolutely no special effects as we know them today that existed. It was accomplished the old fashioned way through hand drawn animation and live action. Even now the restored DVD edition is stunning compared to the original release. For me seeing this extravaganza as a live stage show was really going to be a treat. And a treat it was.

Its run at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale Florida was too short a visit. Its run this time around was only two weeks. The stage production has been created in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh and Academy-Award winning screenwriter Julian Fellows. The original music from the 1964 film by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman is still very much evident and immensely joyous and infectious. Add new songs and additional music by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles and what you have is a 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,' (yes it's spelled right, I checked) explosion of wondrous sights and sounds that people of all ages can enjoy and tap their toes to. Caroline Sheen whom starred in the original UK touring troupe reprises her role as the loveable Poppins and Gavin Lee (Bert) are wonderful in the lead roles. The musical numbers are delightful and just plain fun. "Chim Chim Cher-ee." another musical highlight during the performance wove itself perfectly into the narration of the play. The number "Step in Time," in Act II was an incredible spectacle to behold. Bert himself didn't fly but rather walked across the side rafters of the stage frame and at one point literally strode across the magical walkway high above upside down. Now that's entertainment. 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,' musical segment had the audience cheering the loudest and had all singing along. The meticulous multi-level staging ran as smooth as glass and is incredibly imaginative, transporting us back and forth from the humble English home, the rooftops, the streets of London, to the park. The sets and costumes were eye popping with color and that special ingredient that is synonymous with Mary Poppins magic, wonderment.

From the moment the curtain rose the audience was transported into Mary's world, eyes fixed upon the stage for the 2 ½ hour plus show. And for those who have that burning question: yes, Mary Poppins glided over the stage and took flight, to my delight, more than once. What a kick. Should this show magically appear in your town do the child inside you a favor and make it to the show. You will leave with a smile on your face, wings on your feet and a song in your heart. Go out the next day and pick up the DVD. Share your happy memories of childhood and Disney with your family and friends. It's a treasure you can hold on to forever.