It’s been 50 years since Disney made PL Travers’ Mary Poppins really famous, and the enigmatic, “practically perfect” nanny has aged very well. Neptune does the beloved story proud, pulling out all the stops with a well-acted, gorgeously-dressed, musically-expert production. Uber-talented triple-threat performer Heather McGuigan is fantastic as the starchy yet adventurous Mary and Kyle Blair matchers her in his winning performance as the sweet and smitten chimney sweep Bert. Marty Burt and Kirstin Howell bring emotional heart to the play in their respective portrayals of Mr. And Mrs. Banks, creating characters that the audience can empathize with. Impressively talented young actors Aiden Tye and Avery Kadish (double cast with Amariah Faulkner and Jayden Grieg) are totally charming and engaging as Michael and Jane Banks. Filled with theatrical magic and show-stopping choreography (“Step in Time” will take your breath away), Mary Poppins is pure enjoyment.
