Search - Mary Poppins :: Mary Poppins (Original London Cast 2005)

Pratically PERFECT musical-

ilovemydog | TX, USA | 11/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This C.D. is more than worth it's pricetag- I was lucky enough to see the show in London's West End when I was in London. The show in short is AMAZING- it's a show that brings ADULTs and kids to their feets and makes you leave the theater believing that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!



Based on the classic movie- the show has only ehanced those classic songs/feelings captured in the movie- with the addition of many more adventures. The songs added fit perfectly among the Sherman brothers orginal ones and the cast in SUPER.



Laura Michelle Kelly is MARY POPPINS- much more than a look-a-like but captures the whole spirit or what Mary Poppins is. David Haig is perfectly cast as George Banks and unlike the movie has more depth about his sterness. But, my favorite cast member is Gavin Lee who IS Bert- possibly better than Dick Van Dyke- in the show singing and dancing upside down. And has an increadiable voice to match all that talent!



My favorite new songs would have to be "Anything Can Happen" and the newly refurbished "Step In Time." After listening to this C.D. you'll find yourself believing "Anything Can Happen If You Let It." I can't wait- until this magical show casts it's spell on Broadway! Broadway or Mary Poppins fan or Disney fans must have this recording in their collections! Hit the buy now button and let yourself be charmed by Mary Poppins as well."

A magical recording!

P. Morris | the UK | 04/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Putting a much-loved film such as Mary Poppins on stage was never going to be an easy task: re-writing much of the plot and adding new songs to the score sounds like a disaster in waiting.



However, the show and this cast recording dispel any such worries. From the overture onwards, the whole show is beautifully performed and orchestrated. Laura Michelle Kelly manages to convey both patience and authority, making the title role tougher and closer to the books, rather than the sugar-coated Disney film. However, she almost has her thunder stolen by an energetic Gavin Lee as Bert (with a rather more authentic accent than Dick van Dyke) who brightens up any song he's in - even the rather dull Jolly Holiday!

David Haig, Linzi Hatley and Rosemary Ashe (as Mr & Mrs Banks and Miss Andrew respectively) all provide excellent support, and the featured children thankfully manage to tread the line between sweet and sickly perfectly.



Stiles and Drewe have cleverly written extensions to many of the pre-existing songs that often improve on the originals (Step in Time and Supercali... especially), as well as a number of new songs which blend seamlessly into the score: from the pompous opening, 'Cherry Tree Lane', the buoyant 'Practically Perfect', and the perfect finale 'Anything Can Happen'.



Add to this the wonderful audio production and the comprehensive booklet packed with lyrics and photos, and you have a cast album that won't leave your CD player for weeks!

"

"Anything Can Happen" with Mary Poppins...

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 10/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While a lot of people were quite skeptical when Disney announced it's plans to turn MARY POPPINS into a stage musical, the final product was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Featuring an array of brand-new songs, the stage version of "Poppins" is the perfect marriage of the Pamela Travers books and the Disney movie, drawing on the best elements of both to create an amazing musical theatre experience, and the original London cast is sensational.



Stepping (or rather flying) into the title role, Laura-Michelle Kelly had to contend with the looming shadow of Julie Andrews, but she holds her own, delivering a solid performance. Gavin Lee, likewise, is a positive delight as Bert (as opposed to the Disney film, Bert becomes the audiences' guide into the story as well as the conduit between Mary Poppins and Mr Banks).



Playing Mr and Mrs Banks, David Haig and Linzi Hateley respectively give fully-nuanced performances. With the new number "Being Mrs Banks", Hateley brings a renewed clarity to the misunderstood character of the Banks matriarch.



Rosemary Ashe completely devours her role of Miss Andrew (Mr Banks' monstrous childhood nanny who is called back into service to take charge of Jane and Michael). The number "Brimstone and Treacle", the anthem of Miss Andrews' own particular method of child-rearing, is turned into a complete and utter showstopper. Ms Ashe is probably best-known for originating the role of Carlotta in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera".



The new musical numbers from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe perfectly complement the original - and much beloved - Richard & Robert Sherman melodies from the film. "Temper Temper" is a dream sequence where Jane and Michael are held for trial by their toys; "Practically Perfect" is an energetic opening number for Mary Poppins; and "Cherry Tree Lane" sets up the Banks household and the various characters within it. "Anything Can Happen", Mary's parting message to the Banks family, is very emotional and sums up the essential core values of the story.



You are bound to get swept away by this enchanting musical.



[Disney Records/Universal 61391-7]"