Mary Poppins
at Bellerose Composite High School

Reviewed on February 11, 2016

Julia Stanski
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Submitted for publication to Edmonton Journal 1

All is not well at Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Nannies are quitting like clockwork, servants are beginning to mutiny, and a nuclear family is on the edge of a full-scale meltdown. But never fear, help is on the way. All they need is a hint of magic, a touch of love and a spoonful of sugar.

Bellerose Composite High School's enchanting production of Mary Poppins pulled audiences into the world of the Banks family, suddenly turned upside down by the arrival of a mysterious yet amazing nanny. Organized chaos, wonderful adventures and important lessons ensue as the family, with expert guidance from Mary Poppins, rediscovers how to love each other.

Based on the P. L. Travers books and the 1964 movie with Julie Andrews, the stage version of Mary Poppins opened in London's West End in December 2004 and took home two Olivier awards. With the original music by the Sherman brothers, new songs from British duo Anthony Drewe and George Stiles and a book by Julian Fellowes (writer of the popular series Downton Abbey), the show takes the well-known tale of the perfect nanny and adds some new surprises.

Bellerose's charming production was anchored by their talented lead performers and an elegant, creative design. Energetic and enjoyable musical numbers kept the show moving swiftly, while imaginative technical elements contributed to the colourful world onstage.

Anikka Hanson's performance as the enigmatic Mary Poppins was practically perfect in every way. From her beautifully articulate hand gestures to her immaculate accent to her expertly-timed delivery, she embodied every inch of the character with precision and appeal that were truly stunning. Her gorgeous vocals and effortless grace completed her status as a triple threat performer.

A host of impressive performances by supporting actors created a network of dynamic and interesting relationships. Adam Schafer's heartbreaking portrayal of George Banks as a damaged man, mourning dashed hopes and forgotten dreams, was the emotional centre of the family's transformation. In contrast, Matt Dejanovic as the carefree Bert charmed the audience with his lighthearted banter and tantalizing chemistry with Hanson. The role of Miss Andrew, George Banks's fearsome former nanny, was played to perfection by Grace Bokenfohr, with a powerhouse, crystalline voice and malevolent physicality. Though ensemble members occasionally struggled with execution, the choreography, by Anikka Hanson, was clever and vibrant.

This tech-heavy show would be a challenge for any team, but Bellerose student technicians pulled it off remarkably well. Artistic lighting choices by Jeff Dunn added to the atmosphere of various scenes, while a beautiful and versatile set established multiple locations. Set changes were organized and efficient, rarely holding up the flow of the production.

In this joyful and touching piece, a delightful mixture of tapping chimney sweeps, ridiculously long words and soaring kites proved that anything can happen if you let it. With Mary Poppins, Bellerose students reached for the heavens, and produced more than one star.

Angelina Salvador
Holy Trinity High School
Submitted for publication to Edmonton Journal 2

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" can mean anything you want it to be, and in terms of describing Bellerose Composite High School's production of Mary Poppins, it simply means outstanding.

Mary Poppins was originally a book that was later adapted into a movie by Walt Disney. After the success of the movie, garnering 13 Academy Award nominations and five wins, it was recreated as a Broadway show that is still loved today. The musical that is considered a classic revolves around the story of the Banks family and their many struggles which include controlling their rambunctious twin children. As they search for a new nanny, Mary Poppins comes along, and with her charm, grace, and smart tricks, she solves their problems in the most peculiar way. Taking the children on magical and memorable adventures, she impacts not only the children but also the grown-ups that she comes across.

Anikka Hanson came into the picture with class that was maintained throughout the show. With her beautiful voice, superb accent, and great attention to detail in her physicality, her performance as Mary Poppins would have made Julie Andrews proud. Her talent did not stop there, as she choreographed each dance that accompanied the songs. While the execution was a little loose at times, it could not be denied that Hanson's choreography was intricate and appropriate for each song, as the dancers tap-danced their way into the hearts of the audience.

This production proved that age is just a number, as Connor Woodley and Sadie Samuel are just 8 and 9 years old respectively, yet they played Michael and Jane Banks with great talent and professionalism that put them in the same level as the rest of the cast.

As the curtains opened and the lights shone, the Victorian era-inspired set created by the Bellerose Tech Crew expressed how creative this team was. As the musical went on, the set only became more impressive as it proved to be multi-purpose and versatile, allowing for quick and fluid scene changes.

Amazing effort by Jeff Dunn, as his design and execution of lighting provided the magic that was necessary in recreating a Disney classic. Whether it was to illuminate the set, portray the actors' emotions, or simply create a whimsical atmosphere, the lighting successfully brought the audience into the world of Mary Poppins.

Mary Poppins is a beloved classic, and with outstanding performances of classic songs, a marvellous set, and the massive amount of talent brought to the stage by every actor, the cast and crew of Bellerose Composite High School's production did not disappoint, as this production was "practically perfect in every way."

Adam Lachacz
Holy Trinity High School
Submitted for publication to Edmonton Journal 3

Treading lightly, a chimney sweep shrouded by dust walks onstage and comments on how something is in the air; the rollicking winds of change. Bellerose Composite High School demonstrated through their production of Mary Poppins, that even though winds may blow, anything is possible if you let it.

The musical centres on the events surrounding the home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane and the dysfunctional Banks family. Jane and Michael, the Banks children, have frightened another nanny away who believed these children to be misbehaved with no hope of becoming proper. George Banks, the children's father, works tirelessly and is always distracted from household happenings. Then, a charismatic Mary Poppins enters the children's lives and slowly transforms them through magical games and extraordinary adventures. She instils a stronger sense of discipline and common sense not only to the children, but to the entire home.

Originally written as a series of children's books by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins was adapted to film by Disney in 1964. In 2004, it was produced as a stage musical. Two years later it transferred to Broadway and was nominated for several Tony and Drama Desk Awards.

The entire cast worked cohesively and shone, especially during the extravagant group numbers. Their accents were appropriate and held throughout the duration of the production, even when singing. The production ran like an engine that had just been oiled. When mistakes were made, actors ensured to never drop a cue. A highlight was during Step In Time where the players transported the audience to the rooftops of London while dancing and singing as chimney sweeps.

Anikka Hanson, who played Mary Poppins, graced the stage by embodying the whimsical nature of the main character. Her radiant voice, gentle hand gestures, charisma, emotional investment, and precise movements commanded the stage. Whether floating through the air or standing onstage, Hanson's voice was practically perfect in every way. Adam Schafer, as George Banks, had compelling vocals and believably portrayed the mature stern father. The Bird Woman's solo during Feed the Birds was the most vocally challenging and impressively performed number. Despite being onstage for only a few scenes, Julia Sorensen created a memorable performance with a lasting impact being imparted on the audience.

The success of this performance was in large part due to Patrick Ramsey, Morgan Palagain, and Emily Bateman who were responsible for sound. The sound effects were faultlessly timed and the levels of 24 microphones adjusted meticulously. Attention was also given when creating the sets. The Bellerose Tech Crew went above and beyond what is expected of high school theatre. Extra details like how every stair had a meticulous flower painted on it helped breathe life into the stage.

The intricate combination of lifelike sets, charming likeable characters, splendid vocal performances, and precise sound management skills moulded together to craft Bellerose Composite High School's dynamic production of Mary Poppins. The only word that summarizes Bellerose's performance is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Jillian Harrington
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Submitted for publication to Edmonton Journal 4

Between their misbehaved children and near family bankruptcy, it looks like everything is going wrong for the Banks family. That is, until one very special nanny comes to save the day. That's what blew into the Arden Theatre as the cast and crew of Bellerose Composite High school put on their high-flying rendition of Mary Poppins.

The original West End London production opened in 2004 with a later Broadway production opening in 2006. The musical came as a fusion of both the beloved children's novel as well as the Walt Disney classic 1964 movie of the same title. With music and lyrics written by the Sherman Brothers, the musical was a hit, and received seven Tony nominations.

The play opens in the home of the dysfunctional Banks family, who are looking for a new nanny after the most recent, as well as the dozens before that one, is scared off by the constant tricks of the young Jane and Michael Banks. The children's ideal nanny "must be kind, must be witty, very sweet and fairly pretty" and just to their luck they find the most suitable candidate, Mary Poppins. With the entrance of Mary Poppins into their lives, the Banks family is turned completely upside down.

The cast brought the stage to life with their exceptional energy and characterization. They should be commended at their amazing bravery at tackling such a daunting and beloved childhood classic. Through the dedication of both cast and crew they pulled off a Practically Perfect production.

Anikka Hanson shone in the title role of Mary Poppins, exhibiting herself as a major triple threat with her impeccable dancing, crystal-clear voice, and near perfect embodiment of the character. Hanson really seemed like she had just soared in on changing winds during her dazzling renditions of Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious which were truly performed in a Julie Andrews-esque style. Opposite Hanson was Matt Dejanovic as the charming chimney sweep, Bert. Dejanovic embodied the role perfectly, and used his impressive stage presence and endless energy to captivate the audience.

The production was brought together through the marvellous supporting actors and actresses. Adam Schafer and Kira Romans shone in their roles of Mr and Mrs Banks. Their amazing chemistry enthralled the audience as they played off one another perfectly. The real show stoppers were Sadie Samuel and Connor Woodley, playing Jane and Michael Banks. Both Samuel and Woodley had impeccable vocals and performed with a near professional level of maturity.

The whimsical world of Mary Poppins was especially brought to life on stage through the use of impressive set pieces. The set construction team at Bellerose was extremely ambitious as they created fantastically intricate sets, recreating the entirety of the Banks family home on stage.

Bellerose Composite High School managed to create an amazing world of magic that left nearly every audience member with a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The energetic cast paired with the ambitious crew made the production a brilliant experience for every audience member.

Rajah Maggay
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Submitted for publication to Edmonton Journal 5

Welcome to Cherry Tree Lane where you'll find all sorts of marvellous surprises, such as statues that come to life, singing chimney-sweeps and a family just waiting for the right nanny to come along. Bellerose Composite High School's production of Mary Poppins appeared as easy as flying a kite as they transformed the stage, while immersing the audience in a magical wonderland.

Derived from the literary works of P.L. Travers and the widely celebrated 1964 Walt Disney Film starring Julie Andrews, the musical fuses elements from both. It follows the journey of a family in the Victorian Era in desperate need of a nanny and what unexplainably happens when they come across her. The musical adaptation of Mary Poppins fused elements from both, opening a Broadway production in 2006, receiving seven Tony Awards nominations, including Best Musical and a win for Best Scenic Design.

Practically perfect, triple threat Anikka Hanson dazzled as the titular character, Mary Poppins, from her posh accent to her magnificent tap dancing abilities and mellifluous voice. Her whimsical poise seeped through the fluidity of her movements. Opposite Hanson, was Matt Dejanovic, fitting effortlessly within the role of Bert with his dominating stage presence, wit and gallantry that directly connected with the audience. Starring as the wealthy, traditional Banks family were Adam Schafer as George Banks and Kira Romans as his wife Winifred. The two exhibited a splendid dynamic between one another while portraying the trials and tribulations that a family might have gone through during the time period.

Notable performances that incorporated consistent sensibility, believability and utter fun were Grace Bokenfohr as the uptight Miss Andrew, Benjamin Traverse as the dubious Robertson Ay and Mason McGuire as the assertive Mrs. Brill. All proved to be a true delight to watch through their interactions with other characters

Another shining aspect of this production was the impressive student-run lighting (Jeff Dunn), sound (Patrick Ramsey, Morgan Palagain and Emily Bateman) and sets/props that constantly aroused excitement within the audience and helped with the transportation to an entirely different world. This included clever stage special effects to showcase the magic of Mary Poppins. The lighting and background of the stage seamlessly transitioned to add to the atmosphere in specific scenes. Transitions between scenes and set changes were also fast and efficient. This talented team also made use of the space they had to then make certain characters could actually fly!

The enthusiastic ensemble demonstrated great dedication to their roles by consistently maintaining their amusing accents and showing gusto when performing ambitiously choreographed numbers also done by Hanson in Supercalifragilisticexplialidocious and Step In Time. On the same note, they managed to display the necessity of critical life lessons still applicable today, that weaved in with poignant numbers like Playing The Game, Let's Go Fly A Kite, Feed The Birds and Anything Can Happen.

From the lovely portrayals to the wonderfully performed technical aspects, Bellerose Composite High School's simply enchanting production of Mary Poppins demonstrated that anything can happen if you let it!