Gifted cast stages a lively and magical ‘Mary Poppins.’
For a small theater, Genesius always manages to put on Big City productions and “Mary Poppins” continues that tradition.
Jessica Kostival, a Reading native who has made her mark on Broadway, heads a talented cast as the magical nanny who changes the lives of the Banks family. The story, based on books by P.L. Travers, is familiar to many thanks to the perennial favorite Disney movie starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
For those who don’t know the plot, it is set in 1910 in England at the home of the fairly well-off Banks family which includes a workaholic , stern father, a loving, but somewhat subservient mother, and two children who seem to send nannies packing with their pranks and attitude. After dispatching another nanny, the children describe the kind of nanny they want, and before an ad is placed, Mary Poppins appears at the door to apply for the job. From then on, life in the Banks household takes a magical turn.
The key to the magic of course is Mary Poppins and Kostival brings that magic and sparkle with songs and dance. She sometimes seems to be floating across the floor. Her clear soprano is perfect as she delivers “Practically perfect,” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” and she shows off dance moves in the high- energy numbers like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Matching her note for note and step for step is Alex Krick, a math teacher by day and an amazing entertainer by night. Krick plays Bert, the multi-talented chimney sweep with his own kind of magic. Krick’s Bert is charming and funny and debonair. He’s at the center of many of the more energetic numbers like “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Step in Time, ” one of the most infectious of the numbers in the show.
Stealing many scenes are the Banks children Jane, played by Bridget Ottinger and Michael, played by Zach Green. These two have very believable sibling chemistry on stage and great voices which are showcased in “The perfect Nanny” and numerous other numbers with Mary Poppins and Bert.
Jordan Baylor is perfectly rigid and closed off as George Banks, the father who is trying to provide a good life for his family the only way he knows how. Baylor sets the tone for his character with “Precision and Order” and does a fine job of evolving as his character goes through some life changes.
Lindsey Villecco brings tenderness as his devoted wife, Winifred and her warm, exquisite soprano is showcased in “Being Mrs. Banks.”
Adding lots of hilarity to the show are Lyndsey Bosold as Mrs. Brill and Brandon Kegerize as Robertson Ay, the servants.
Every show needs a villain -- or villainess in this case -- and Kelly Moray delivers a delightfully despicable Miss Andrew – George Banks’ former nanny. Her “Brimstone and Treacle” is enough to have the children and some adults quivering in their shoes.
Other outstanding performances come from Linda Reedy as the Bird Woman (“Feed the Birds”), Kevin Moray as Northbrook (“A Man and His Dreams”), Brian Trupp as the Bank Manager and Admiral Boom, and Marie “Susie” DeBooth as Mrs. Corry.
Julian Morales’ dance moves are mesmerizing as Neleus, the statue who comes to life.
Many cast members play multiple roles and do so with aplomb, they are Brett Kenna, Kimmie Fetters, Pat Rehr, Arianna Hemmings, Meghan Austin, Gregory Boyer, Sani Pereira, and Pete Clauser.. The ensemble includes Erin Apsokardu, Andrew Bausher, Paulina Cevallos, Anthony Disla, Roberto Guevara, Keyara Hunt, Hunter Willow-Jones, Laura Jones, Ellie Loose, Kelsey Malone and Emmerson Piacine.
The show is directed by Christopher Sperat and music directed by Kevin Cooper, whose orchestra provides the music that gives this show its life. The music never overpowers the actors.
Choregraphy is by Jericho Joy, owner of Monarch Dance Studio. The production is produced by Genesius Artistic Producer, L J Fecho, set design by Brandon Kegerize and L J Fecho, lighting design by Spencer Moss Fecho and Julia Elberfeld, sound design by Albert Garcia, projections by Jordan Baylor, stage managed by Sarah Kiebach, costumes coordinated by Becka Malanious, Dara Himes and Cathy Miller, with set construction by John Bigos, Brandon Kegerize and Betty Gerstner.
The only word to describe this production is “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” runs through Dec. 18 at Genesius Theatre at Tenth & Walnut streets in Reading. Some shows are sold out. For tickets visit www.genesiusdifference.org or call 610-3739500 card fees apply. Genesius Theatre is located at 153 North 10th Street, Reading, PA 19601. Genesius Theatre is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.