Nicolas Dromard has some high-flying fun as Bert the chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins” the musical on stage through Jan. 2 at the Detroit Opera House. Photo by Joan Marcus
TV’s “Supernanny” may reform bad behavior, but only one nanny adds magical powers and flying via umbrella to her repertoire.
“Mary Poppins” the musical descended yesterday at the Detroit Opera House and promises to thrill children and adults alike through Jan. 2.
The Disney musical helmed by producer Cameron Mackintosh is based on P.L. Travers’s fantasy book series and the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
The beloved childhood tale follows a magical nanny who comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family and features beloved songs including, “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time” and “Supercalifraglisticexpialidocious.”
New songs from Olivier Award winners George Stiles and Anthony Drewe also grace the stage production.
The show opened in London’s West End in 2004, with a Broadway counterpart debuting two years later.
It received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, winning for Best Scenic Design.
A national tour launched in Chicago in March 2009.
Nicolas Dromard takes on the toe-tapping role of Bert, the chimney sweep, after spending the last 1 1/2 years as Fiyero in the San Francisco production of “Wicked.”
His excitement about the plum part was evident during a recent phone interview from a tour stop in Des Moines, Iowa.
“It’s such an incredible show,” Dromard said. “Of all the shows I’ve done, this is my favorite. I adore performing it every night.”
The timeless message appeals to everyone, he believes, and resonates even today.
“Kids connect with the Disney magic and adults because they remember the movie,” he said.
“The story about the father trying to reconnect with his children and the mother feeling she’s lost her purpose – that’s very current even though it’s set in the early 1900s.”
The national tour isn’t Dromard’s first foray into the role.
He was part of the original Broadway ensemble cast and understudied Bert before taking over for Gavin Lee.
While he realizes his performance inevitably draws comparisons to Van Dyke’s iconic turn, he isn’t worried about measuring up.
“How great to have a role model like that,” he said of the star. “I don’t try to copy anything he does, but put my little spin on it while being true to the character.”
Born in Ottawa, Dromard began dancing at age 6 after being inspired by a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie.
He studied music at De La Salle High School, a performing arts school in Ottawa, and did community theater as well as dance competitions across Canada and the United States.
After high school, he planned to study music in college, but while in New York City for a dance competition final, auditioned and booked “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” in Branson, Mo.
His theater opportunities grew from there – “West Side Story” at the Stratford Festival in Canada, the North American premiere cast of “Mamma Mia,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Boy From Oz” on Broadway, “Hairspray” in Toronto, the first national tour of “Wicked,” and “Mary Poppins” on Broadway.
Dromard puts his talents to good use as the lovable cockney Bert, taking lead on several songs, acting as narrator and dancing up a storm in the tap-heavy number, “Step in Time.”
“That’s my favorite number,” he said. “I get to tap upside down – how could you not love that?”
New tunes, including Mary’s introduction piece, “Practically Perfect,” fit in flawlessly with the original numbers, according to Dromard, and flesh out the main characters’ stories.
“It’s a perfect blend of favorite songs from the movie and Travers’s book and new songs that fit in so perfectly you’d think the whole score was written at the same time,” he said.
Bob Crowley’s whimsical set provides a much-ballyhooed backdrop for the onstage action.
“The tour set is incredible,” Dromard said. “We have a house that’s more like a dollhouse or a pop-up book.
“It starts off closed, then at the top of the show, I come out and do a little intro and it pops into life.
“It’s visually beautiful and boggles the mind.”
The magical world of “Mary Poppins” unfolds at the Detroit Opera House through Jan. 2.
Tickets starting at $25 are on sale at the Fisher box office, Ticketmaster locations, www.broadwayindetroit.com and by phone at 1-800-982-2787.
