Of all the Disney theatrical productions, Mary Poppins seems to be the most natural for the stage. After all, it was written as a full musical, the songs are tried and true, and most obviously, it’s largely a cast of humans. It seemed an obvious choice. So, it came as quite a surprise for me to see that the stage production was more removed from the film than any of the other transfers. Gone are several of the popular songs and characters and in its place, several story elements that exist only in the original storybooks of Mary Poppins. In fact, the larger story arc of the film, culminating in Mister Banks realizing the importance of family time, is wrapped up pretty neatly by the end of Act One.

Disney’s New Amsterdam Theater is the perfect venue for Ms. Poppins Broadway debut. This gorgeous theater was purchased by Disney, restored and renovated in time to house the Lion King for its first several years on stage. You still feel like you are part of history as you take to your seat.

The cast and production are superb: most notably and practically perfect in every way is Ashley Brown as Mary. Even more so Gavin Lee as Bert. His boundless energy is infectious, capturing Dick Van Dyke’s performance (and cartoony accent), but also putting enough into it to make it his own. His tap dance around the stage’s proscenium arch is brilliant.

The production itself is truly magical, with a most impressive house making up a third major character in the story. Scenes take place on four separate floors of the Banks household and the different floors lift up and down as needed. Each room filled with beautiful craftsmanship. Designs that allow for Mary to pull large light fixtures out of just her carpet bag, just one of the many stunning effects that sprinkle the show.

And for the finale of the show, Mary flies up over the audience, just inches over the heads of those in the highest balcony.

One element of the story that I felt didn’t work is a recurring concept of living statues. They appear more as Cats rejects than strong story elements. Most disturbing as that they take the place of the adorable penguins from the film.

Being a Disney Production, there are some great souvenirs for sale in the lobby. Included are the typical CD recordings and program books, but also Mary Poppins umbrellas proved to be the big seller the night I was there.

If you get an opportunity to see the production, I strongly recommend it. It is a big, epic show, with a nice mix of new theatre with traditional story-telling.