Written by George Scott
Brigham’s Playhouse continues the 2015 season of community theatre with Disney’s “Mary Poppins,” which opened on April 28 and will continue running through June 6. This is a performance filled with magic, laughs, and a message.
“Mary Poppins” is the story of the Banks family. All young Jane and Michael Banks wanted was a nanny who would play games and love them. In flies the infamous Mary Poppins. This award-winning stage musical is simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! The music and lyrics are by the Academy Award-winning Sherman Brothers, with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and the script is written by Julian Fellowes.
Watching the professionalism of the actors, it is easy to forget this is not a much bigger venue and makes one wonder how they are able to get find such talent. The intimate seating and use of the aisles for some scenes brings the audience into the show and offers a connection between audience and actors.
The ambience of Cottontown Village makes the transition of stepping back in time easy. By the time you sit in the seat and soak in the surroundings, you start to feel as though you have traveled to a place of yesteryear. Once the play starts and you see the actors dressed in period costumes, one can easily imagine the acting to be a scene happening in real time.
The production handles the whimsical act of flight well as Poppins floats her way around the theatre. The items she is able to pull from her bag make you believe she really does possess some unexplainable magical powers. Dancing statues and convincible characters make you want to believe, if only for the moment.
Brigham’s Playhouse picks productions that are suitable for the entire family. The singing, dancing, and acting are entertaining enough to keep even the youngsters attention. There is an intermission allowing for a stretch of the legs, bathroom break, and quick treat. Speaking of treats, Brigham’s Playhouse considers itself a “dessert theater,” offering a wide and delicious variety of concessions including Red Barn ice cream, Brigham’s Brew Root Beer, Johnny Popper’s candied popcorn, and freshly baked cookies.
Brigham’s Playhouse’s 2015 season includes six more productions to follow “Mary Poppins,” including “Anne of Green Gables,” “Joseph Smith: Praise to the Man,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Secret Garden,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Once you experience the magical production of “Mary Poppins,” you’ll be looking forward to making this a part of your family’s entertainment.
Tickets are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $17 for students and children. To create an optimal atmosphere, the theatre request that children under five do not attend productions. Season tickets are still on sale at a discounted rate with special pricing for families and groups. Tickets for the rest of the year are available at a 25% discount. Box office hours are noon-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Brigham’s Playhouse is located in Washington at the corner of Telegraph St. and 300 West, directly across from the Star Nursery. Check out Brigham’s Playhouse on Facebook for updates and to see exclusive offers and content. To order tickets, please visit www.brighamsplayhouse.com or call (435) 251-8000.
