Josh Martin shines as the repressed/dismissive banker father, eventually shaken into a new appreciation of his children through the magic disruption of mysterious nanny, Mary Poppins. Josh's real-life wife Nicole also grows into a greater sense of empowerment and partnership with her husband. Their actual children, Jack and Wendy, were gems in the chorus; their stage kids Jane and Micheal were played with spirit and mischief by Lorena Krauss (well remembered from her role as Small Allison in Peppermint’s Fun Home) and Liam Grams (well remembered as Winthrop in Evolve’s Music Man.)
As Mary Poppins, Caitlin Christenson brought a sharp sense of mystery, energy and surprise into Jane and Micheal’s nanny-busting world - where they had made a hobby of pranking mean nannies into resigning. Mary Poppins answers their wish for kinder/gentler/more fun nanny, “Spoonful of Sugar” and all that. She introduces them to magical experiences, in the park and beyond, with the charming help of everyone’s favorite chimney sweep, Andrew Muylle as Bert (well remembered as sidekick Marcellus in Evolve’s Music Man.)
Andrew earns praise not only for his engaging, singing, dancing Bert, but also for serving as choreographer. His talents range from developing workable steps for untrained dancers, to some fun, fancy routines for himself and featured dancers Rachel Bassett, Philip Franke, Lyla Krauss, Brielle Mangles Jocelyn Snitgen and Leah Thelen. Featured roles Bird Woman and Miss Andrew were both standout roles for Lindsay Campbell. Carmen Zavala-Kelly was an entertaining Mrs. Corry, proprietor of The Talking Shop.
This elaborate script demands multiple sets and special effects. The program credits flying and sets by On the Fly Productions and Southeastern Theatrical Support (S.E.T.S). Costumes were beautifully done by Terry Selman. Lighting/Sound by Tim Daniel added more magic.
Although this show is “family friendly” it is also long, two hours and 50 minutes (which includes a 20 minute intermission) so it is not ideal for very young children.
Note that Mary Poppins is only ONE weekend - with only TWO MORE performances, 7pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday. Tickets at https://www.evolvetheatrics.com/tickets.html It performs at Grand Ledge High School 820 Spring Street (head out West Saginaw, turn north on Jenne Street. (You actually turn west into the school drive from Jenne Street, even though the address is Spring Street)— drive in past the bleachers all the way to the back of the school, turn right at the stop sign to find parking lots near door 14, the Lower West Entrance.