Debbie Croft: Sierra Rep’s ‘Mary Poppins’ is practically perfect in every way

“Wind’s in the east, mist comin’ in, like somethin’ is brewin’ about to begin …” So goes the familiar line from Bert’s opening song in one of America’s favorite Disney movies. “Mary Poppins” is currently on stage from the Sierra Repertory Theatre.

Played by Dan Reardon, Bert narrates and accompanies the audience through each scene, while working up a sweat in the dance sequences. Funny how we never learn his last name.

For a whole 21/2 hours audiences at the East Sonora Theatre are transported to the neighborhood of London’s No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

In the title role and with requisite rosy cheeks, Megan Buzzard plays the nanny who’s “practically perfect in every way.” She and Reardon filled the same roles last summer and played opposite each other on the East Coast.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, even on stage, Mary Poppins pulls out a hat stand, a mirror, a floor lamp and a potted plant from her carpet bag.

In this classic tale, a turn-of-the-century household is in desperate need of more than a good nanny. The British family suffers from an overly domineering father who, we find out in the theatrical version, as a child never saw his parents more than once a week. He also had the misfortune of being reared by a nanny who could pass for the Wicked Witch of the West. No wonder he’s disengaged from his wife and children and much of humanity as a whole.

James Andrew Walsh and Lauren Roesner fill the roles of George and Winifred Banks beautifully. And it’s wonderful watching their relationship deepen as we’re drawn into their struggles and triumphs.

This Jane and Michael Banks duo is a little more than Victorian-era bratty. In a tug-of-war between old and new methods of child-rearing, it takes them a while to warm up to Mary Poppins’ cheery disposition. But using a balance of firmness and love, she wins their affection. Both Kara Tangenberg and Joseph Fitzgerald captivate the audience in their performances as the Banks children.

Statues come to life and Queen Victoria makes a cameo appearance. And the household staff members are unexpectedly entertaining.

What’s missing are dancing penguins, the tea party on the ceiling, and the fox hunt and horse race on carousel steeds. But with a rearrangement of scenes, plus additional song and dance numbers, the actors and actresses wow the audience from beginning to end.

Dick and Donna Spence from Tracy bought season tickets for six or seven years. They own a second home in Tuolumne County, and enjoy SRT shows as often as their travels allow. “There’s great talent in the theaters up here,” they said.

Donna Spence liked what they did with “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” But no spoilers – you’ll have to come and see for yourself.

The Disney movie celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. The stage version is largely based on Disney’s classic, without the same lighthearted glossing over of Victorian life. Some solid parenting advice and common sense are mixed in, filling the gaps of Disney’s retelling. While this story is more philosophical, everything still turns out right in the end.

The stage version of “Mary Poppins” appeared first in 2005 in London. It’s proven to be a challenge for SRT, with numerous special effects and making characters fly. But artistic director Scot Viets and his crew are more than successful. Broadway expert Paul Rubin rigged the wiring and choreographed the flying scenes. And cast members pull them off brilliantly.

Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey” fame wrote the stage script, emphasizing the importance of family. Mr. Banks learns the lesson that people are more valuable than money and social standing. After spending a childhood rarely seeing his parents and never getting hugs and kisses, we can understand why he’s so impersonal. Yet, due to the Poppins touch, we watch him and his family blossom.

Complete with multiple scenes changes, creative lighting and costuming, the endearing soundtrack, and of course, exceptional talent – cast and crew members deserve every standing ovation they receive.

Audiences will enjoy the feel of magic happening before their eyes, and reliving the childlike wonder of a Disney classic as SRT brings this beloved tale to the stage.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Sierra Rep’s ‘Mary Poppins’ is practically perfect in every way."