Mary Poppins
at Palm Beach Central

Reviewed on April 2, 2016

Gabi Simon
Coral Glades High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Palm Beach Central's production of "Mary Poppins" was "practically perfect in every way" with stunning sets, vivacious vocals, and dazzling dance numbers.

"Mary Poppins" is a musical with music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers, with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Andrew Drewe, and a script by Julian Fellowes. The musical is a fusion of elements from the Disney movie and a children's book series by P.L. Travers. When adapted to the stage, some elements from the movie were omitted while some elements from the book series were added. "Mary Poppins" originally opened on the West End in 2004 and won two Olivier Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Theatre Choreography. The Broadway production of "Mary Poppins" opened in 2006 and received seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and won for Scenic Design. "Mary Poppins" tells the story of the Banks family and its new magical nanny, Mary Poppins. Mary's old friend Bert, a jack-of-all-trades, narrates the story as Mary Poppins and the Banks children, Jane and Michael, create memories and learn lessons throughout Cherry Tree Lane.

Jillian Halperin played the prim and proper Mary Poppins. Halperin exuded an air of confidence and knowledge beyond most high school students. Halperin demonstrated amazing vocal ability in songs such as "Practically Perfect" and "A Spoonful of Sugar." Narrating the story as Bert was Josh Houchins. Houchins demonstrated spot-on comedic timing throughout the show and shone in "Jolly Holiday" and "Step in Time." Depicting the rambunctious Banks children were Nicole Pena (Jane) and Ben Shaevitz (Michael). Pena and Shaevitz had tremendous chemistry and both embraced the childlike mannerisms of the Banks children. Pena especially stepped into the role of Jane Banks and dazzled the audience in numbers such as "Cherry Tree Lane" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius."

The ensemble as a whole often lacked energy. They were able to pick up the energy in big dance numbers like "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius" and "Step in Time," but in other less dance heavy numbers they were not engaged in the scene and lacked motivation in their movements. A standout in the ensemble was Amy Cwick, who demonstrated exemplary dance technique in "Step in Time" and was fully engaged in the number.

The set, constructed by Lindsay Nichols and Chloe Lacatoure, was multi-functional and well constructed. Nichols and Lacatoure paid close attention to detail and made the audience feel like they were on Cherry Tree Lane. The show ran smoothly for the most part, but some of the scene changes took longer than necessary. Costumes were time period appropriate and aesthetically pleasing and fit the actors well.

Overall, "Mary Poppins" at Palm Beach Central was well-executed. The cast and crew was, for lack of a better word, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Ryan Lim
West Boca High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Come "Step in Time" down Cherry Tree Lane where you'll encounter beautiful harmonies, exciting dance numbers, and pure magic at Palm Beach Central High School's riveting production of "Mary Poppins".

Mary Poppins is a musical based on the similarly titled movie created by Disney and book series by P.L. Travelers. The story follows the Banks family whose children are out of control and need a stern nanny. When Mary Poppins appears on their doorstep, the have no other choice than to hire this strict, yet peculiar nanny. Little did they know she would change the entire family's life in the most magical of ways.

Jillian Halperin, playing Mary Poppins, immediately caught my attention. Her beautiful soprano voice rang throughout the theatre during her song. Halperin was clearly very committed to character, and was "practically perfect in every way." Josh Houchins, playing Bert, also impressed me with his crisp, smooth vocals. Houchins captured the playfulness and flamboyancy of Bert very well.

Nicole Pena, playing Jane Banks, had an absolutely stunning voice and played the age of her character very well. Sometimes I forgot that she was truly a high school student. Her characterization and ability to play a stubborn child amazed me. Ben Shaevitz, playing Michael Banks, was always by Pena's side. Similar to Pena, Shaevitz portrayed his character's age very well. The two had extremely good chemistry and their interactions with Mary really brought something new to the stage.

Although there were some sound issues, the technical aspects were outstanding. The set was truly a masterpiece. The moment the curtain opened on the park, I was drawn into the show and brought to Cherry Tree Lane. When the trees began to glow during the song "Anything Can Happen", I was overcome with joy. It was such a beautiful sight and filled the room with a magical aura.

Mary Poppins was a beautiful show that let me experience two hours of pure bliss. Palm Beach Central's production was "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and more!

Kayla Goldfarb
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Lights rise on Cherry Tree Lane. It's another dull, disappointing day. Another governess gone for the Banks family and a new one needed immediately. In swoops Mary Poppins, who appears to have arrived by the wind! Anything can happen, and in Palm Beach Central's latest production, this unique nanny proved just that!

The story of this fantastical woman first originated from the children's books written by P. L. Travers where they were later adapted into the critically acclaimed movie produced by Walt Disney, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The stage version of "Mary Poppins" kept the original music and lyrics done by the Sherman Brothers with additional help from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The musical first appeared at West End in 2004 where it won 2 Olivier Awards. It was then brought to Broadway in 2006, where it was nominated for 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Taking on the role of the magical nanny herself was Jillian Halperin (Mary Poppins) who absolutely lit up the stage. From her lilting, sweet vocals to her peculiar charisma, Halperin embodied the extraordinary persona of the iconic character. Alongside her was Josh Houchins (Bert), who proved to be a seasoned performer as he sang, danced, and even spoke in a clear Cockney accent the entire show without his energy ever wavering. However, it was Nicole Pena (Jane) and Ben Shaevtiz (Michael) who truly stole the show. The two had phenomenal chemistry with one another which, in turn, augmented their own individualized performances. With Pena's sassy disposition paired with Shaevitz's boyish charm, the duo depicted the youthful nature of the siblings superbly.

The production also featured a wide assortment of whimsical, entertaining characters. Most notable was Hannah Baker (Mrs. Andrew), who brought a fresh, new energy to the stage, managing to deliver all her comedic content while still appearing frightening. Sebastian Sosa-Reese (Neleus) and Delaney Keefe (Queen Victoria) stood out as well as two dancing statues in the park. The two were so dedicated to their roles that they were believed to be actual statues until they started moving! Also worth mentioning is Amanda Ibarra (Mrs. Corry/Mrs. Brill) who was both zealous and zany in her respective roles.

Though energy dwindled from time to time, the members of the ensemble managed to revive the atmosphere when they performed musical numbers such as "Step in Time" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" with their infectious energy. Hats off to the student-run crews, who aided the ensemble in tying the show together. The stage crew must be applauded for their seamless transitions. The student constructed props and set must be applauded as well as they added even more color to this bright show.

In their job that had to be done, the cast and crew of "Mary Poppins" told this classic story with an element of fun and in the most delightful way!

Morgan Wolfe
JP Taravella HS
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

"Can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen all happened before." While the musical "Mary Poppins" has been performed numerous times before, Palm Beach Central High School brought a fresh spin to this beloved classic.

Every child grows up watching the Disney movie over and over. But the musical "Mary Poppins" first popped up in London's West End in 2004, then hit Broadway in 2006, where it earned seven Tony nominations and one win. The musical is actually a combination of the film and the series of children's books by P.L. Travers that started it all and introduced the world to the magical nanny.

Jillian Halperin, portraying the beloved Mary Poppins, was "practically perfect" in every way. Halperin's magical range was impressive with its sweet high notes and her dance skills were just as delightful as her vocals. Josh Houchins, as Bert, played the lovable sidekick to perfection. When he led the dance number "Step in Time," he left the crowd roaring.

Nicole Pena and Ben Shaevitz brought so much spunk and sweetness to their roles as the Banks' children. Pena, in fact, possessed one of the best voices in the show, and her crisp and clear vocals rang out throughout the auditorium. When Hannah Baker appeared in Act Two as Mr. Banks' old nanny, Mrs. Andrew, the show really took off. Baker bought the fire and energy that was lacking sometimes in the ensemble pieces earlier in the show. During her solo, "Brimstone and Treacle," the stage turned blood red, and the audience could not take their eyes off of her brilliant, big and risky acting choices.

As always, the two biggest crowd-pleasers were "Step in Time" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." The ensemble maintained high energy and perfect choreography throughout both. In fact, in the latter number, the ensemble took the challenging choreography from Broadway and delivered a stellar performance, complete with all the accents and perfect diction in this difficult piece.

Technically, the show ran flawlessly with the exception of just a few mic issues. "Mary Poppins" has extensive set changes throughout, and they were all pulled off without disruption or extra noise. The student-designed set paid careful attention to every detail, especially the individually carved bricks that protruded in places.
The illuminated cherry trees added to the number "Anything Can Happen," making the song picture perfect.

"Mary Poppins" is a timeless classic, where you know exactly what will happen next but are thrilled to be along for the ride once again. Palm Beach Central managed to keep it fresh and spirited throughout. In particular, the choreography and set pieces really lit up the stage.

Dominique Monserrat
Saint Andrew's School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

When the wind blows in a new nanny, Mary Poppins, to the Banks' household on Cherry Tree Lane in London, two mischievous children and their parents learn what it truly means to be a family. The classic movie, "Mary Poppins", with music and lyrics by the award winning Sherman Brothers, was adapted for the stage with additional music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, where it opened in London's West End in 2004. It later transferred to Broadway in November 2006, where it earned seven Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical. The students of Palm Beach Central High School put on an entertaining production of the musical this weekend.

Opening and occasionally providing narration for the show was Josh Houchins as Bert, the jack-of-all-trades. Houchins' strong vocals and wonderful energy levels throughout the whole show made his moments on stage some of the best. He also did an exceptional job leading the tap dance during "Step in Time," which was one of the most delightful numbers of the show.

Leading the way as the title character, Jillian Halperin shone as the witty nanny who changes every life she touches. She, as well as Houchins, was a delight to listen to as her diction was always clear, even with the strong English accent. Her chemistry with the two children, Jane and Michael Banks, played by Nicole Pena and Ben Shaevitz, respectively, was excellent, and the energy between the three actors kept the pace of the show moving, when oftentimes it felt stagnant. Pena and Shaevitz also did an outstanding job portraying young siblings, and their constant engagement in the show and interactions with each other deserve to be commended.

A few standout performances include Hannah Baker as Mrs. Andrew, whose shrill voice pierced the air as she shrieked at the children, trying to force her nasty brimstone and treacle concoction down their throats. Jesus Cartenga stole a few laughs as the Park Keeper crying "oh, lummy" every time Mary's magic entered his park. The hopelessly useless servant Robertson Ay, played by Stephen Coley, also earned many laughs with his superb physicality and vocal inflections.

The crew of "Mary Poppins" should also be praised for the complex and creative set created for this show. The many set changes were quick and smooth, and the crew pulled off some wonderful magic for Mary Poppins, such as Jane and Michael's ripped-up advertisement flying up the fireplace and the toys coming to life in the number "Playing the Game."

While the combination of sound issues and a general lack of energy from the ensemble at times slowed the show and made it difficult to remain engaged, the cast made up for it with well-coordinated, if somewhat simple, choreography. Some of the actors could have committed more strongly to both the eccentricities of their characters and the ages--at times the chemistry between characters did not feel right, but overall the show was bright and enjoyable, some might even say it was "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"

Kimberly Sessions
JP Taravella HS
Submitted for publication to The Forum

Number 17 at Cherry Tree is not doing so well. Nannies are quitting, the servants are beginning to riot and this family is about to blow a top. But not to fear, special help is on the way. All this family needs is a bit of magic, some love and a spoonful of sugar. Palm Beach Central's production of "Mary Poppins" enchanted audiences with tapping chimney sweeps and dancing statues.

Based on the books by P.L Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney movie, this musical with music and lyrics by the Sherman brothers, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and book by Julian Fellows this musical opened on Broadway in November of 2006. It ran for seven years, making it the 30th longest running Broadway show. Nominated for 6 Tony awards, including Best Musical and winning Best Scenic Design, this beloved musical has made its way into the hearts of many Americans. The story follows two stuck up spoiled children in an upper class London family and their transformation with the help of a special nanny, Mary Poppins.

Leading the show was Mary Poppins played by Jillian Halperin. With an impeccable accent, eloquent hand gestures and an enchanting voice, she embodied Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way. Alongside her was Bert played by Josh Houchins. His charisma charmed the audience from the moment he stepped on stage until the end. Their maturity and connection, while hard to accomplish for high school students, was very believable.

One stand out performance was Nicole Pena who played Jane Banks. With her strong vocals and endless energy, she captivated the audience. She and her brother Michael Banks (played by Ben Shaevitz),demonstrated a wonderful loving relationship with Mary Poppins.

Through some of the show some of the cast had weak vocals and low energy but they stepped it up in numbers like "Step in Time" and Playing the Game", where they were enthusiastic and had crisp harmonies. The dance numbers were simple yet clean. At points, the actors lacked motivation and facial expressions but due to their British accents you could understand every word they said.

Overall, the show was visually stunning. The student made sets were well designed and well built. The set changes were efficient which made for a smooth running show. The backdrops were beautiful and helped to set each scene. The costumes were time-period appropriate. The bright red lighting when Mrs. Andrew entered the room helped to set the mood, but if the lighting were varied throughout it would have enhanced the show.

Tackling "Mary Poppins" at the high school level is very challenging but Palm Beach Central showed that anything can happen if you let it.