My daughter and I both love the classic 1964 movie Mary Poppins and we weren't sure how that love would translate to the stage in a blockbuster Broadway production. Well, let's just say we had no problem falling in love all over again. The Broadway musical at the Paramount theatre feels magical; from the looks of the saucer-eyed kids all around us, it seems the magic was contagious. (And come on, how often do you get to participate in a mass sing-along of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?")
In my mind, the charmed nanny will always be Julie Andrews and Bert the chimney sweep Dick Van Dyke, but both Steffanie Leigh and Nicolas Dromard (the latter one of the original Broadway company members) do an admirable job channeling their cinematic predecessors. The Tony-award-winning show doesn't follow the movie scene by scene (my daughter kept asking when the carousel scene was going to come – it never did), but it certainly captures its spirit.
My 8-year-old daughter and I were utterly entranced by the set of the Banks' house on Cherry Tree Lane set; its exterior is like a black and white drawing that unfolds, like a pop-up book, to reveal the interior. Not surprisingly for a show that has grossed $521 million-plus worldwide, the costumes, sets and effects are glorious. Some great moments include when the neighborhood park statues come to life (the only time my daughter seemed a little scared, as the statue's movement comes after some dramatic lightning bolts), a fabulous rooftop chimney sweep tap-dance (complete with Bert walking up the stage wall, tap-dancing on the ceiling, and walking back down the other side) and, of course – spoiler alert! – the end scene when Mary Poppins literally flies away over the audience's heads.
A few tips:
Get to the theater early. The landmark 1928 Paramount Theatre itself is a marvel, dripping with chandeliers and other finery (check out the cherub water fountain on the lower level by the bathrooms.)
If you're interested in an intermission snack or drink, pre-order at the concession stand on the main level, but beware long lines. (Tom Douglas furnishes a few savory items and plenty of sweets, including his signature coconut pie).
Grab a seat pillow for your little ones (even my 8-year-old could have used one, but they were gone by the time we took our seats. They are piled up next to the ushers.)
The show runs 2 hours and 40 minutes with one 15-minute intermission; make a beeline to stake your spot in line for the lower level bathrooms.
According to the theater, babes in arms are not allowed (though we did hear a baby crying in the audience during our show); children under 4 are "discouraged" from attending.
Nearby parking garage rates are at a premium during the show's run; we paid $20 for the lot across the street.
There is plenty of Mary Poppins merch to be had at the show, from a $3 bookmark to a $35 Mary Poppins doll. I almost succumbed to the replica Mary Poppins parrot-head umbrella ($30). But, as my sage daughter pointed out, "Mom, it's $30 and it's not even magical."
IF YOU GO
Where: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle.
When: Through May 29. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday 1 and 6:30 p.m. Special Thursday matinee May 19 at 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $21.50.
Contact: 877-784-4849; stgpresents.org and tickets.com. Paramount Theatre box office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 206-467-5510.
Lynn Schnaiberg is a freelance writer in Seattle and mother of two adorable children.
