Enjoy the Magic of Mary Poppins On Stage

By Kerry Smith, KidsOutAndAbout SLC Editor

Supercalifragilistic . . . Oh, you know the rest of the word! Let’s just say the newest production at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville is Mary Poppins at her finest!

We all know the story, based on the stories of P. L. Travers and the Walt Disney film: Mr. and Mrs. Banks need a nanny for their rascal son and daughter, who have managed to run off many a lady for the job. Looking for someone who is “practically perfect” in every way, the children are delighted when Mary Poppins magically appears as an answer to their personal ad.

The rest of the story is filled with Bert, the chimney sweep and Mary’s special friend, along with the housekeeper, butler, and many townsfolk. After Mary leaves the family for a bit, Mr. Bank’s childhood “horror terror” nanny is summoned as a replacement--until Mary returns and saves the day.

Bring on “a spoonful of sugar,” because all the familiar Mary Poppins’ songs are performed in a “most delightful way.” Costumes are bright and beautiful. The choreography is succinct and well done. The stage is grand; watch with amazement as the children’s nursery pops up out of the floor. Digital scenery dots the stage, and it’s easy to imagine that rain and leaves are really blowing around you.

My family of four attended the opening performance on February 24, but you have until March 25 to see the show--though you won’t want to delay. Opening night was a sellout.

Ticket prices and show information: $19.50 to $25.50; click here to purchase tickets. Or call the box office at 801-298-1302. Matinees at 2:30. Evening shows at 7:30. Closed Sundays. March 4 matinee features ASL. More information can be obtained through this link also.

Know before You Go:

• Arrive early. Parking spots fill fast, and reserved seats are only held until curtain time.

• This performance runs  2 ½ to 3 hours. I’m not sure of the exact time as we had to break while a technological issue was resolved on stage. Our show started at 7:30. We live nearby and arrived home about 10:30. My youngest is 4. He liked the show, but it was too long and too late for him. Several times, he asked when it would be over. Eventually, he fell asleep in my arms. Consider taking your older children to evening performances. My 14-year-old was just fine and enjoyed everything. Though it’s entertaining for younger children to watch Mary Poppins and the kites soar away into the air, there are many scenes with just dialogue. Consider taking children 5 or 6 and up, or attend a matinee with younger children. You know your child best, but if I had a do-over, I would hire a sitter for my youngest son.

• Children 3 and under are not permitted. Babes in arms are not allowed either.

• No outside food or beverages are allowed. Please support the theatre by purchasing in-house refreshments.

• Family restrooms are available. Though the line was long for the ladies’ restroom, we did not have to wait long for the family restroom, which is complete with a baby-changing station.

   

  Snippets of the show:

  

   

  

Kerry Smith and her husband, Cole, enjoy being “out and about” with their sons. Their special cause is autism, and they support individuals and families through their site: GoBeyondAutism.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram,  Pinterest, and Twitter.