Mary Poppins Playing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA, Sept. 25th- 30th (Review)

The musical adaptation of MARY POPPINS, which plays at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts from September 25-30, draws elements from both the P.L. Travers’ series of children’s books and the 1964 Walt Disney film. The Broadway musical is closer to the tone of the original books. The plot of the musical is more focused on the dysfunction of the Banks family and the negligence of the children than the movie.

On November 9, 1899, P.L. Travers was born in Australia. As a young girl, she read books that included fantasy and magic. Her biggest influence were the stories by the Brothers Grimm. P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins was published in London in 1934. The complete series also included seven sequels. The last book was published in 1988.

MARY POPPINS tells the story of two children, Jane and Michael Banks, and their magical nanny. Set in London in 1910, the show follows Jane and Michael as they learn important life lessons from Mary Poppins and reconnect with their distant father George Banks.

After the success of other Disney musical adaptations such as “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Productions Limited teamed up to produce the 2004 West End production of MARY POPPINS. Mackintosh is also the producer of “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables”, “Cats”, “and Miss Saigon”. “Les Miserables” is coming to The Hanover for the Performing Arts in April. On November 16, 2006, MARY POPPINS officially opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway. As of August 28, 2012, MARY POPPINS has had a Broadway run of 2,406 performances.

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 My Thoughts:

Last night, my parents and I took Savannah to her first Broadway production, Mary Poppins, at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester.  At first, I didn't know if the show would keep her attention, but after the lights went out and musical started, she couldn't take her eyes of the stage.  And, when it came time for intermission, she kept asking for it to start again. :-)

I grew up a fan of Mary Poppins, and have been singing songs from this hit musical to my daughters since they were in the womb.  So, it was only fitting to share my love for Mary Poppins with Savannah and take her to this show.  After the curtains finally fell at the end of the show, everyone in the audience (it was a full house) gave a thunderous round of applause, with half the theatre standing.  What a great way to start their season for programming at the Hanover Theatre.  Not only was the musical excellent, but the theatre itself is a sight to see.  The last time I was at the Hanover Theatre was when I was in college at Worcester State, over 10 years ago.  I remember it being beautiful inside, but as I walked into the theatre last night with my family, I felt like Savannah, in awe of how big and vibrant it looked inside.  At first Savannah didn't know where we were taking her, but once the musical began and she heard familiar songs, she turned to me and gave me a great big hug.  Then, as I held her tight, I heard her singing along to the songs.

My parents were so glad that they came with us, as they enjoyed the musical thoroughly.  Usually my dad isn't a fan of Broadway musicals, but he couldn't get over the amazing props and scenery.  And, the children in the production did an amazing job.  My parents and I couldn't believe how they were able to learn all their lines and perform so well.  Oh yeah, Mary Poppins does fly!  This was Savannah's favorite part, as she kept pointing and saying "wow."

If you haven't been to the Hanover Theatre, you must check out their 2012-2013 production schedule and pay them a visit.  They are offering programming for every member of the family, from children's production, to comedy, to hit Broadway plays and musicals.  Whatever your fancy, the Hanover Theatre will provide you with an evening of enjoyment and one you will never forget. :-)

--GET YOUR TICKETS NOW --

Performance dates and times include Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30pm, Wednesday, September 26 at 7:30pm, Thursday, September 27 at 7:30pm, Friday, September 28 at 8pm, Saturday, September 29 at 2pm & 8pm and Sunday, September 30 at 1pm & 6:30pm. 

Ticket prices for Tuesday & Wednesday performances are $35-$65. 

Ticket prices for Thursday’s performance are $48-$78. 

Ticket prices for Friday-Sunday matinee are $48-$93. 

Ticket prices for Sunday evening are $48-$78. 

Discounts are available for members, groups of 15 or more*, corporate partners and WOO Card holders. 

 

Tickets are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, by phone at 877.571.SHOW (7469) or at The Hanover Theatre Box Office located at 2 Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester.

For more information, please visit MaryPoppins.com

 

Disclosure:  I was given tickets to attend this musical from Hanover Theatre in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.