Paramount's 'Mary Poppins' a splendidly staged spectacle

Posted December 01, 2014 4:50 pm

By Scott C. Morgan

Mary Poppins (Emily Rohm) and Bert (Matt Crowle, center) lead the tap dance-filled production number “Step in Time” in the Paramount Theatre's “Mary Poppins,” playing in Aurora through Sunday, Jan. 4. Courtesy of Liz Lauren/Paramount Theatre

The stage musical "Mary Poppins" features an Act II song called "Anything Can Happen." The song title - and its inspirational message to "reach for the heavens" - could also apply to the unpredictability of live theater, as seen with Paramount Theatre's spectacle-filled staging of the 2004 hit musical.

Paramount's first "Mary Poppins" preview was canceled because more time was needed to perfect the awe-inspiring flying effects and Mike Tutaj's sophisticated digital projection designs that animate the art of illustrator Scott Davis. Then on opening night, two understudies went on in supporting roles.

But these backstage hiccups didn't detract at all from the impressive achievement that is director/choreographer Rachel Rockwell's grand staging of "Mary Poppins," inspired by the 1964 Disney film and P.L Travers' children's books. Though it may not have fluid mechanized scenery seen in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's national tours, Paramount's "Mary Poppins" possesses a theatrical grandeur that was lacking in last year's Marriott Theatre staging in Lincolnshire.

For kids and parents alike, this is a splashy production filled with beloved song standards by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman that are augmented with stylistically similar numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (including the restored song "Temper, Temper," where nursery toys put kids on trial for abuse).

The colorful costumes by Theresa Ham are lovely, and her steam-punk approach to "Supercalifragilisticexpalidocious" is especially fun. The action is vibrantly framed by curvy art nouveau LED-lit arches by lighting designer Greg Hofmann and set designer Kevin Depinet.

Also delightful are the strong performances that Rockwell draws from her ensemble - particularly the no-nonsense Emily Rohm as the title magical nanny and Matt Crowle as the puckish all-tradesman Bert. They have their hands full as they endeavor to fix the troubled Banks family, led by the emotionally distant George (Michael Aaron Lindner) and his uncertain wife, Winnifred (Cory Goodrich).

Book writer Julian Fellowes ("Downton Abbey") rightfully makes the Banks kids more petulant and bratty than they were in the film, providing more substance for Peyton Shaffer as Jane and Charlie Babbo as Michael (Jake Helm and Eloise Lushina alternate in the roles).

So despite the technological challenges, audiences should be forever grateful that Paramount took a risk on "Mary Poppins." The end result is a thrilling and moving family show that is perfect for the holidays.

Mary Poppins (Emily Rohm) takes her charges Michael (Charlie Babbo) and Jane (Peyton Shaffer) on eye-opening outings in the Paramount Theatre's “Mary Poppins,” playing in Aurora through Sunday, Jan. 4. Courtesy of Liz Lauren/Paramount Theatre

Mary Poppins (Emily Rohm) and Bert (Matt Crowle) take a magical stroll through the park in the production number “Jolly Holiday” in the Paramount Theatre's “Mary Poppins,” playing now in Aurora through Sunday, Jan. 4. Courtesy of Liz Lauren/Paramount Theatre

Statues dance and a dreary day blooms into vibrant color in the production number “Jolly Holiday” in the Paramount Theatre's “Mary Poppins,” playing now in Aurora through Sunday, Jan. 4. Courtesy of Liz Lauren/Paramount Theatre

“Mary Poppins”

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Location: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666 or

paramountaurora.comShowtimes: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday (no evening show Dec. 24), 7 p.m. Thursday (no show Dec. 25; extra 7:30 show Tuesday, Dec. 23), 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday (7 p.m. on Jan. 3), 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday (10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 4), through Jan. 4Tickets: $41-$54Running time: About two hours 35 minutes, with intermissionParking: Area pay garages and metered street parkingRating: For general audiences

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