Mary Poppins
at Flint Hill School

Reviewed on April 28, 2017

Aubrey Winger
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is the only word that comes to mind when thinking about Flint Hill's latest performance. Complete with a legion of chimney sweeps, a bumbling butler, and one extraordinary nanny, this recent production of Mary Poppins was "practically perfect".

Mary Poppins was first conceived in a series of children's books by author P.L. Travers. These books were then adapted into a film by the legendary Walt Disney in 1964. The musical, which opened in 2004, combined classic songs from the movie with original numbers, as well as embellishing the movie storyline with elements from the book. Even though many changes were made, the plot of the musical remains similar to the beloved film: a magical nanny arrives at Cherry Tree Lane to nurture two unruly children and help them reconnect with their distant father.

Bert (Henry Jeanneret) had a wily smile and cheeky personality that made the audience fall in love with him from the moment he entered the stage. His puckish facial expressions and movement punctuated every line and lyric, while his charming cockney accent never failed to amuse. His endless enthusiasm and impressive dancing completely captured the spirit of the charismatic chimney sweep we all know and love. Jeanneret's obvious enthrallment with Mary Poppins (Olivia Hernandez) was further intensified with every flirtatious line and blown kiss.

The spoonful of sugar in Mary Poppins's pocket was not the only sweet thing about her character. Olivia Hernandez whisked the entire cast on the adventure of a lifetime. Her lovely voice shone through in every song, while her whimsical personality pulled the Banks children right into her world of kindness and imagination.

The resident help of Cherry Tree Lane added a bit of comedy to the dramatic lives of the Banks family. Mrs. Brill (Claire Briggs) was full of sass and common sense, while her comically misfortunate co-worker Robertson Ay (Mohammed Badawi) had a variety of hilarious mishaps. Badawi's extended scene of clumsiness and his accidental destruction of the entire kitchen were ridiculously hilarious, while his facial expressions in his kite cameo were simply fantastic. The guest appearance of the haggard old nanny Ms. Andrew (Maya Jaffe) in act two was equally humorous, and the nanny battle that ensued was executed perfectly.

The Banks children, Jane (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael (Liliana Suzuki), may have seemed devilish as they drove away every nanny in London, but they both executed clear character arcs as Mary Poppins taught them how to be a family once again. McDonnell was incredibly convincing as a young girl, maintaining a bratty facade until she reconciled with her father. Winifred Banks (Claudia Wood) contrasted her rambunctious children as she meekly submitted to her husband's demands. Her plaintive voice and mournful expressions gave incredible impact to her song "Being Mrs. Banks".

The ensemble added an element of magic throughout the show as they conducted every scene change, using dance and takes to the audience to make ordinary transitions fun and engaging. Their use of chimney sweep brushes to convey stars in act two was stunning, giving this beautiful scene a further sense of resolution. The song "Step in Time" was brought to life with their energy and clean dance execution.

Filled to the brim with rollicking fun, every moment of Flint Hill School's Mary Poppins was truly a "jolly holiday."

Sommer Bauman
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

For decades, dancing penguins, singing toys, and magic nannies have enraptured audiences in the Sherman Brothers' beloved musical, Mary Poppins. Based on the book by P.L. Traverse and the Disney movie, the musical made its West End debut in 2004 and opened on Broadway in 2006.

The show opens with the disorderly yet uptight household of the Banks family. George and Winifred struggle to keep their children under control and lament at yet another nanny's renouncement of her position because of Jane and Michael's snotty and delinquent behavior. Shortly, however, the charming, assertive, and no-nonsense Mary Poppins makes her arrival, returning order and love to the Banks family with the most unusual methods.

For a high school, Mary Poppins can prove a rather challenging production with difficult technical aspects and a wide range of vocalists required. However, Flint Hill School recent performance was nothing short of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

One reason for Flint Hill's excellent production was their committed and engaging ensemble. Each member showed excitement to be on stage, adding to the overall energy of the show.

Additionally, the thespians' vocals carried the show with consistency and skill. Most notable was Henry Jeanneret who portrayed the role of Bert with a rich voice complemented by his practically flawless cockney accent.

Mary Poppins would not be the family-friendly and fun-loving show that it is without its iconic hilarity. Mohammed Badawi who played Robertson Ay, a clumsy butler in the Banks home, proved to be one of the funniest actors on stage. His comedic timing and well-placed ad-libbing created an amusing and enjoyable atmosphere. Even when he was acting in different ensemble roles without lines to carry his comedy, his facial expressions and physicality kept the audience members on their toes to see what he would do next.

Above all, the themes presented in Mary Poppins are what give the story credibility and endearment. The cast of Flint Hills's Mary Poppins put on a superb show that captured those motifs, which was their greatest accomplishment. The chemistry of the actors on stage and the commitment of each student to the show ultimately helped to highlight the real meaning and importance of family and the idea that anything can happen if you let it.

Vanessa Rivera
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... Mary Poppins-- a production of Mary Poppins at Flint Hill School to be exact! Grab your coat and umbrella, because it's time for a stroll down Cherry Tree Lane.

A musical marriage of the children's books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins has become a household name. With original music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, script by Julian Fellowes, and additional adaptations by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical ran on Broadway for 2,619 performances from November of 2006 to March of 2013.

The plot revolves around Jane Banks, a thoughtless, short-tempered, and untidy girl, and her brother Michael Banks, a mischievous and troublesome little boy. The devious children displease their stern father and anxious mother by struggling to keep a nanny. To the Banks' surprise, a practically perfect caretaker comes falling, or rather flying, from the sky. Using games and walks in the park, magical Mary Poppins teaches the children there are more important things than toys and money: family and love.

Henry Jeanneret, a standout actor, swept the show away by bringing his character, Bert, to life. The jack of all trades upheld a convincing British accent alongside unfaltering vocal proficiency, which were notably showcased during the opening, "Prologue". Jeanneret's lighthearted visual expressions led to an energetic portrayal, an inarguable anchor of the show. Bert's connection to Mary Poppins (Olivia Hernandez) demonstrated their genuine history and deep friendship. Hernandez herself stepped into her confidently poised character with ease, evident in the number "Practically Perfect".

The mischievous duo of Jane (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael Banks (Liliana Suzuki) continually expedited the necessary naivete. Regardless of where each scene's focus was, McDonnell steadily evaluated her surroundings. Her never ending facial expressions of pouts and smiles stayed true to her character's childish disposition.

The audience bellowed with laughter during the endearingly hilarious breakdown of Robertson Ay (Mohammed Badawi). Other than losing his marbles, Badawi's comedic timing shined. One of the production's countless gems, Bird Woman (Kamryn Olds), sold crumbs in "Feed the Birds" while effortlessly singing beautifully. Ultimately, the most impressionable aspect of the show was the creativity and versatility of the given space. During "Step and Time", fellow ensemble members lifted Bert, giving the illusion of his walking upside down. Similarly, each scene change involved the engaging and lucky chimney sweeps. With swift, dancing feet they pieced together every new set.  

Through high energy, vocal talent, and comedic timing, Flint Hill School created a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious viewing of Mary Poppins.

Meghan Murphy
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

As the lights dim, actors clad in all black with bright red neckties and tipped caps run out into Flint Hill's theater, greeting audience members in flawless British accents with cheery dispositions. While the chimney sweeps make their rounds, the music begins and a lone spotlight falls upon Bert. His clear voice rings, beginning the iconic sweep's narration of the beloved tale of Mary Poppins. Flint Hill's musical took the audience on a journey to Edwardian London in the home of the Banks Family-- an experience that can only be summed up in one word: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

First developed in a series of eight children's books written by P. L. Travers from 1934 to 1988, Mary Poppins is a classic story of a magical nanny who is blown by the wind to 17 Cherry Tree Lane where she cares for the rambunctious Banks children. The books were adapted by Walt Disney into a movie musical in 1964 and then produced into a stage musical in London's West End theater in 2004.

Olivia Hernandez delivered a soaring-- both literally and figuratively-- performance as Mary Poppins with brilliant vocals and spot on characterization. With a demeanor composed of poise, professionalism, sass, and warmth, Hernandez's mannerisms perfectly captured the joy and perfectionism of the revered nanny. Her dynamic performance incorporated the sweet nature of Poppins as well as hints of narcissism and vanity that made the show more complex.

Bert (Henry Jeanneret) was lively and engaging from start to finish. His perfect Cockney street accent never faltered, and his dedication to brightening every scene was wildly impressive. From his strong voice, fantastic dancing, and kind emotions in his relationship with Mary and the children, every part of Jeanneret's performance was flawless.

As the delightfully naughty children, Jane Banks (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael Banks (Liliana Suzuki), were the true soul of the show. Their impressive acting skills had all who witnessed them convinced that these high school freshmen were only eleven and nine years old. McDonnell's portrayal of Jane had a complex coming-of-age character arc as she blossomed from a silly child into a mature girl through her voice and movement, while Suzuki's sweetness was constant throughout. Both were devoutly engaged in the action on stage.

Rounding out the Banks family were the endearing but confused parents, George (Joshua Nkenchor) and Winifred (Claudia Wood). The powerhouse duo was vocally skilled-- as was apparent in their solos "Being Mrs. Banks" and "A Man Has Dreams". In particular, Wood delivered a loving character who was simultaneously warm and incredibly anxious in trying to please her husband.

Bringing numerous laughs to the production was the third pair in Flint Hill's Mary Poppins: the butler, Robertson Aye (Mohammad Badawi), and maid, Mrs. Brill (Claire Briggs). While Briggs was constantly on edge yet witty, Badawi countered her with his goofiness and use of hilarious slapstick humor.

In addition, the ensemble was just as remarkable as the leads and supporting characters. The cast replaced elaborate technical aspects with impressive acting. Ensemble characters portrayed pigeons, the flying of kites, and the wind that blew Mary Poppins to London by carrying her on their shoulders. The talented cast had energized voices and exciting dance moves, especially in the iconic rooftop number, "Step in Time".

The cast of Flint Hill's Mary Poppins delivered a magical performance that combined childhood innocence and grown-up fears, taking each viewer on a stupendous journey.

Erin Maxwell
Herndon High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

With a spoonful of sugar and a dash of magic, Flint Hill School brought the fantastical family classic, Mary Poppins, to life.

Based upon the award-winning 1964 movie musical starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, the musical came to the Broadway stage in 2006, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher, entertaining audiences of all ages.

An enchanting tale of two misbehaving children, Jane Banks (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael Banks (Liliana Suzuki), and their rigid, weary parents, George Banks (Joshua Nkenchor) and Winifred Banks (Claudia Wood), they encounter a mystical nanny, Mary Poppins (Olivia Hernandez), and her friend, Bert (Henry Jeanneret), who lead the group through a series of wondrous adventures. This show of love, family, and life brings perspective and a sunny attitude to 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

As the audience was transported to Edwardian London in 1910, a cohesive and dynamic ensemble of chimney sweeps proved Flint Hill's level of consistency. The additional ensembles-- namely the bankers and house servants-- added vitality and contrast to their respective scenes. Their consistent vocals and practiced dancing abilities shined in "Step in Time" and "Jolly Holiday". Standouts in the ensemble included the hysterical servant duo of Robertson Ay (Mohammed Badawi) and Mrs. Brill (Claire Briggs) whose comedic antics gained uproarious laughter.

The Banks family-- who conveyed a consistently compelling story with standout character portrayals-- carried the show with ease. A particularly engaging narrative was the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Mrs. Banks (Claudia Wood) produced a believable and raw portrait of an anxious mother and developed an emotional connection through her advanced vocals during "Being Mrs. Banks". Her stern counterpart, Mr. Banks (Joshua NKenchor), successfully showed his transformation from a distant and militant father to a loving family member. The parents were beautifully contrasted by their children, Jane Banks (Whitney McDonnell) and Michael Banks (Liliana Suzuki), who both depicted consistent, convincing caricatures of mischievous children, highlighted in songs such as "Practically Perfect (Reprise)".

Leading the show were the delightful duo of Mary Poppins (Olivia Hernandez) and the charming Bert (Henry Jeanneret). Mary Poppins brought energy and poise to the stage, impressing both with her vocal maturity and sophisticated choices and movement. Hernandez created a timeless character highlighted in "A Spoonful of Sugar". Yet, her counterpart, Jeanneret as Bert, stood out among the ensemble, captivating the audience with ease during both his solo and group numbers, such as "Chim Chim Cher-ee", with consistent charm and lovable quirks that made him unforgettable. He smoothly led his group of chimney sweeps with distinguished vocals and persistent energy.

Ally Stark
Woodbridge Senior High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Kites soar, toys come to life, and animals talk in Flint Hill School's magical production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins!

Based upon the 1964 Disney film and P.L. Travers' Mary Poppins children's books, various elements are fused together to form this fun-filled musical. Set in Edwardian London, the Banks family is in need of a nanny and is surprised to have one fly into their life and change it for the better. Mary Poppins, with the help from the charismatic Bert, guides the story to inspire compassion and delight. They teach the children motivational life-lessons through a heartwarming adventure.

Such talented performers made this show extremely memorable. Olivia Hernandez as Mary Poppins exemplified a powerful dedication to such an influential and enthusiastic character. Her vivid confidence commanded the stage with a magical and eager disposition. Henry Jeanneret as Bert captured the audience's heart and imagination. The sparkles in his eyes showed outgoing spirit. His incredible stamina and exaggerated expressiveness evoked smiles and laughter galore.

Other captivating performances included the lovely Whitney McDonnell as Jane Banks. Her high energy and sass brought grand excitement to each scene and exhibited the sweetness in youth of the darling character. Mohammed Badawi (Robertson Ay) impressively added humor to the wondrous musical numbers. Claudia Wood's (Winifred Banks) gifted deep emotion and endearing motherly tendencies with her beautiful voice in every song.

The entire cast spread happiness with united choreography and adorable stage picture moments. The lively ensemble's unique set changes were quick and entertaining. Creative lighting shifts and perfectly themed props attributed to the fantastic charm of the show. Dandy costumes modeled by the quirky, distinguished characters of every member from chimney sweeps to supercalifragilistic chatterboxes contributed to the amusing effect. The artsy set and creative aspects delightfully brought the scenes to life.

It only takes a "spoonful of sugar" and the outstanding Flint Hill School production of Mary Poppins to illuminate magic and joy with the brilliant reminder that anything can happen.