Theater Review: 'Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical' at Cabaret on Main Theater

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Broadway on Main Theatre Company in East Haven will present “Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical” from Nov. 7 - 23. Kaite Corda stars in the title role.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s musical based on the stories of P.L.Travers and the Walt Disney film contains the wonderful original music and lyrics by the team of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman as well as new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book for the Broadway show by Julian Fellowes and the production was co-created by Mackintosh.

The Cabaret on Main production is directed by Neil Fuentes, who also designed the projections, set and lighting that surrounds the theater. The projections almost magically extend from the stage along the two long sides of the audience space. Fuentes, who is the board chair of the theater’s Board of Directors, includes video versions of two of the main characters moving along the side walls very effectively.

Fuentes reminds audiences that this show “reminds us that even in the hardest of times, a little imagination, kindness and love can make the impossible possible…It’s not just about a flying nanny or a spoonful of sugar. It’s about family, healing, and rediscovering the joy we sometimes lose along the way.”

Kaite Corda is indeed “Practically Perfect” in the role of the prickly Mary Poppins. Her “spit spot” performance and singing voice are a pleasure to experience. It was a treat to see Billy DiCrosta on this stage again in the role of Bert.

Patrick Spadaccino is perfectly cast in the role of George Banks, giving him the right mix of sternness and empathy. Spadaccino’s latest novel, “Dancing with the Darkness,” is now available. Taylor Dunn is lovely in the role of George’s wife Winifred (“Being Mrs. Banks.”)

The two youngest members of the cast give well-rehearsed, excellent performances. Audrey Lenington plays Jane Banks and Brayden O’Meara portrays younger brother Michael.

Michele Marie Clay appears briefly as Queen Victoria and then returns to play the big role of Mrs. Corry, in which she shines.

Juliana Vaiuso plays the housekeeper Mrs. Brill and Eric Gil is Robertson Ay and a police officer. Lillian Parady is especially effective in the role of the evil nanny who raised George, Miss Andrew, aka the Holy Terror. Jacqueline White steps out of the ensemble to play the short-lived Katie Nana, as well as a sweep and a penguin. Kristen Clark plays the colorful Miss Lark, who guides the canine performer Willoughby. Sammi Bessette steps forward to portray the Bird Woman.

Marvin Jones stands out in the role of Admiral Boom and Derek Masterbone takes on the roles of the park keeper and the bank chairman. Ava Palmer shines as Neleus, one of four statues in the park, and Paige Lawner dances as Valentine. Brynna Hekeler plays Punch, and Avery Deneke appears as a doll in the nursery. Claire Shipman plays Mrs. Smythe and Sergio Rodriguez plays Mr. Northbrook. Gary Guidone is the loan-seeker Mr. Von Hussler, who is aptly named. Kudos to the remaining members of the ensemble who dance and sing well together. The director correctly points out that each has brought such heart, humor, and honesty to this production. The dedicated crew in black always set the Cabaret stage diligently.

Gina Helland provided some great choreography for the dancers, especially the tap dancing in “Step in Time,” and Music Director Edwin Rodriguez helped the singers stay in sync with the musical tracks. Rodriguez works as the sound engineer. DiCrosta worked as the show’s producer. Costumer Tina Manus has assembled a wonderful wardrobe for all of the members of the cast. There are magnificent millinery and gowns for the ladies and period suits for the gentlemen. Summer Orlando and Deborah Burke, extended theatre family members, are thanked for their generous donations of Mary Poppins costumes.

Fuentes hopes that during each performance patrons will let themselves dream again. “Let this story lift you up, remind you to look for the magic in the everyday, and remember that sometimes, when the winds change, something wonderful can happen.”

Tonight’s show is SOLD OUT, but you still have a spoonful of time to grab seats for the rest of the weekend… “though they’re disappearing faster than Mary’s umbrella in the wind!”
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