Seattle's Child

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An evening of magic: Mary Poppins at the 5th Avenue Theatre

See the practically perfect nanny before she's gone

Mary Poppins and I go way back. I’ve been a fan of the practically perfect nanny since I was seven. It was one of the first movies my dad and I saw on television, back when TV networks would run classic movies repeatedly. You were bound to catch the original 1964 version with Julie Andrews (as Mary Poppins) and Dick Van Dyke (as Bert) at least twice a week. My dad and I would sit lap to lap, mesmerized by the music, tapping our toes to the catchy tunes with smiles on our faces. So, if you’re ready to grin from ear to ear, like my kids and I did (for the whole show!), this is the perfect outing for you.

Mary Poppins at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle is a must-see. With a 2.5-hour runtime (including a 30-minute break), this enchanting production brings the timeless story of everyoneā€™s favorite nanny to life with spectacular music, dazzling visuals, and heartwarming storytelling. It will captivate audiences of all ages, especially children.

The Mary Poppins story

Mary Poppins is a story about a magical nanny who transforms the lives of the Banks family in early 20th-century London.

The story begins with the Banks children, Jane and Michael, who are mischievous and difficult to manage. Their parents seek a new nanny, and Mary Poppins mysteriously arrives, flying in with her umbrella. She is stern but kind, and her magical abilities quickly captivate the children. Her “partner-in-crime” is a jolly good man named Bert, who is smitten with Mary.

Through enchanting adventures, Mary teaches the children valuable life lessons about kindness, imagination, and responsibility.

Meanwhile, their work-obsessed father, Mr. Banks, learns to reconnect with his family and rediscovers the importance of joy and balance in life. Mary Poppins ultimately departs as mysteriously as she arrives, leaving the family closer and happier.

A show full of wonder and charm

The 5th Avenue Theatreā€™s production combines whimsical choreography, vibrant costumes, and show-stopping performances. At the theatre, the magic begins when Mary Poppins (played by Mallory Cooney) makes her iconic entrance with an umbrella held high above her head and the wind blowing just right. The cast brings beloved characters to life, with Mary Poppinsā€™ wit and wisdom and Bertā€™s (played by Danny Gardner) charm that light up the stage. Jane (played by Maisie March) and Michael (played by Liam Kuriathyle) carry the show with their brilliant execution of curious, misbehaved children who make a turn for the better with the help of their new friend. Surprisingly, the Bank’s maid and butler garnered the most laughs as they coordinated slapstick tomfoolery on stage. They were our favorite characters.

 

The music and set of Mary Poppins

My family and I were impressed to see lively numbers like ā€œSupercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” ā€œStep in Time,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and other iconic songs. The use of props and interpretation of the songs had us bopping in our seats with excitement. Each song received a burst of applause and energized the audience. Watch for the ensemble to come through the audience and sneak a peek at the live orchestra in the middle of the stage.

Arguably, “Supercaligragilisticexpialidocious” was the best song and dance, with its clever use of letter props that spelled different words throughout the piece. An explosion of music, quick verse, and movement will have your feet tapping and singing along with the troupe.

The set designsā€”including a magical flying umbrella and Poppins’ magic bag, which held a lamp and a bed (!)- kept my children on the edge of their seats. My youngest son looked at me throughout the show and asked, “How did they do that?” You’ll witness shelves in the kitchen set to fall on a whim, a bird in flight, a statue, and toys that come to life, all making it as magical as Mary Poppins herself.

Anything scary?

There is a scary scene when Ms. Andrew, Mr. Banks’ old nanny, shows up to discipline Jane and Michael. Lights flash, and sound effects boom through the theatre as a fight scene ensues, with Mary Poppins winning (of course). With all the music, the theatre can get loud for some children. My child cupped his ears for a few songs but still enjoyed the play. Next time, though, I’ll remember to bring headphones.

We were all elated when we left the theatre, having enjoyed an evening together. In the car, we talked about our favorite parts and compared the movie to the play. We all agreed that Mary Poppins was a show not to miss, and I was happy to pass on a little piece of my childhood to my kids.

Know before you go

  • Tickets for Mary Poppins at the 5th Avenue Theatre start at around $59 for adults and $39 for children. Group discounts may be available, and itā€™s always a good idea to check the 5th Avenue Theatreā€™s website for current promotions. The show runs through December 28.
  • The 5th Avenue Theatre is conveniently located at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Parking options: The theatre partners with several garages in the area, including the Union Square Garage and Rainier Square Garage, offering discounted rates for show attendees. Public transit options like buses and light rail are also easily accessible.
  • Recommended ages: Suitable for children ages 5 and up. Younger children are welcome but may find the 2.5-hour runtime challenging.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and settle into your seats.
  • The theatre offers snacks and beverages, but you can bring spill-proof water bottles for kids.
  • Consider bringing a booster cushion for younger children so they can enjoy a clear view of the stage. If your child is sensitive to noise, consider bringing headphones.

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About the Author

Jasmin Thankachen

Jasmin is the Associate Publisher at Seattle's Child and an Eastside mom of two boys. She enjoys parenting with lots of love and laughter. Co-Founder of PopUp StoryWalk, she also loves children's picture books, essay writing, and community stories.