The Freeland Middle returns to Cherry Tree Lane with MARY POPPINS

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical by Cameron Mackintosh and Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) is an adorable stage version of the popular Disney film. Directed by Chapman Shields, the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts in Bristow, OK is presenting this musical as part of their Onstage at the Freeland series.

The large cast of mostly (15+) Bristow community members shows and proves that “anything can happen if you allow it”. Smart Moves are made by Shields and Company to cast professional actors in the two leading roles. Brooke Melton as Mary and Gavin Thomas Drew as Bert take the show from a fun community event to a professional theater production. Melton is fresh and neat, practically perfect as a magical nanny. She delivers her lines of dialogue with a mischievous shoulder shimmy, a cute gesture that gives this iconic character personality. Drew as Bert is the charming Cockney, with the strongest accent of any cast. He is the fourth wall breaker and narrator, and he dances and sings with infinite energy.

Lauren Reece as Mrs. Banks and Ethan Kel Hunter as Mr. Banks are dynamic and believable. Reece has a remarkable voice and a compelling stage presence. Hunter is strict and moving and serves as a turning point for the family. Reece remains the lovable wife, even if her husband is less lenient. Hunter also learns to rediscover the lost childhood.

Kara Stagier’s choreography is robust and makes good use of the stage, filling it with one iconic number after another. The tap dance is missing in “Step in Time”, probably the most breathtaking number in the Broadway version. Another disappointment comes in the second act, the supposed moment of magical discovery, when Mary Poppins opens her umbrella and flies away. But Mary doesn’t fly in this production. That scene is why people come to this show and it’s disappointing that this production doesn’t try. Budget and time constraints could be a factor, but it is worth doing whatever you can to get yourself into this scene and get it right.

Mary Poppins is nostalgic with his musical numbers and the ensemble pulls everyone off with a smile, creates unforgettable moments and ignites new ones. Melodies like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” come to life on stage, and this line-up is vibrant and fresh. Carmen Bruner is a showstopper in “Feed The Birds” and Drew shines in “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”. Melissa Hall’s Music Direction is polished. All of the musical numbers, both familiar and new, are immensely entertaining and practically flawless.

Dakota Norman stands out as Von Hussler and Miss Andrew. The Banks children are portrayed calmly as Annie Grizzle as Jane and Wake Tidwell as Michael. Autumn Manus is crazy and animated as Mrs. Brill and steals every scene. Stacey Shields is strong and alive as the Talking Shop owner Mrs. Corry.

Rounding out the hard-working cast is Mackinsey Darrough as Katie Nanna & Nelus, Gary Daughtry as Parker Keeper, Jaxie Sargent as Miss Lark, Keith Symcox as Admiral Boom, Hunter Remington as Robertson Aye and Aaliyah Givings as Queen Victoria. John Tidwell is the chairman of the bank, Jessica Colbert is Miss Smythe, Patrick Lupp is North Brooke, Carly Junod is Fannie, Kendal Hurley is Annie, and Gabrielle Wilson is a chimney sweep.

Mary Poppins is a triumphant achievement in musical theater, and it is not without hard work and dedication that this theater company make it through. It’s two solid hours of great pieces of music that are well known to everyone in the audience. There are big footsteps out there, and this cast fills them in the most adorable way. This production is really an example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a common goal. What a beautiful community that must be! Bristow, Oklahoma puts on the map.

Disney musicals keep touching our hearts, teaching us about love for one another and reminding us that life is more exciting and precious when we look for the little things. Childhood is magical, and after a few minutes with Mary Poppins and the Banks family, we all feel like kids again.

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical closed on June 26, 2021. Further information on the upcoming productions of the Freeland Center can be found on Facebook in the Freeland Center.