Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre runs from July 20 thru September 4, 2016. We had a chance to see the production last week and it’s the perfect family show – a great way to end the summer with a smile!
photo credit: Kirk Tuck Photograhy
“I’ve already seen Mary Poppins….” was what I got from my teenage daughter when I offered to take her as my guest to see Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre last week. Even still, she agree to join me for a Mother-Daughter night out. Driving home, she ate her words, gushing about the production and admitting that it was “magical”.
Even if you have seen Mary Poppins before, there is nothing like seeing it live, onstage with the talented cast at ZACH Theatre.
As a longtime fan of ZACH Theatre, I rarely see a show there I don’t like. And Mary Poppins had me clapping along & shaking my head in delight. To see some of my favorite childhood songs come to life was just, well, magical.
photo credit: Kirk Tuck Photography
Jill Blackwood is practically perfect as Mary Poppins, her performance will have you saying Julie Andrews- who?? I have enjoyed watching her in various performances over the past few years at ZACH – I love that I get to see the talent in different roles here – and she shines as Mary Poppins. Bert, played by Matthew Redden, makes you feel like everyone’s best friend. ZACH also showcases their youth in Mary Poppins and they do a terrific job, holding their own to their adult co-stars.
The sets are dreamy, filled with puffy clouds and bright colors, especially when ‘Mary takes us for a walk in the park’. The dancing is outstanding. Lead by choreographer, Robin Lewis, the songs make us all want to get up out of our seats and join them. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is mesmerizing with the incredible props they use – I won’t give it away but you have to see it to believe it!
photo credit: Kirk Tuck Photography
And you really don’t want to miss Matthew Shields’ solo tap dance in Step in Time. As the Co-Founder/Artistic Director of Hyperfeet Productions, it was a privilege to see him perform.
photo credit: Kirk Tuck Photography
Director Dave Steakley does a masterful job of transitioning from the big productions to the quiet, endearing moments. As a mom, I loved the show’s reminder that family is what matters most.
It’s a great family show. A little on the long side – 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission, but if your child can sit for that long, it’s absolutely worth seeing. The perfect “back-to-school” or “last-summer-fling” event in Austin!
Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre
Tickets start at $25 and are available online at zachtheatre.org, by phone at 512-476-0541 ext. 1, or in person at the ZACH Theatre Box Office, in the Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd. (corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar BlMd.) Monday through Saturday, noon – 5 p.m. ZACH Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 8 or more. Student Rush Tickets are $18 one hour before show time (with valid ID).
