Review for MARY POPPINS, Artisan Center Theater

Mary Poppins

Artisan Center Theater


Reviewed by Natalie Shaw 

Raising children is no easy feat, that's for sure! Sometimes, you need a little help getting things in order. Personally, my husband and I have two boys, and we don't have the luxury of a nanny to occupy them while we work. They are school-age, so they are past the point of attending a daycare. (I've never cared for day care systems, as it were, anyway.) But, we have found a lot of support through Scouts, formerly called Boy Scouts of America. Just this morning, I reminded my younger son about being "clean and reverent," which is part of the Scout Law. Additionally, the Scout Oath refers to being honorable and serving others, which is extremely difficult to teach young children. There's an elevated level of responsibility that children learn through programs such as this. For other families, this training can be accomplished through sports or other forms of community involvement. But, much like their father, our boys have taken to grasping and understanding these instructions through the Scouts program, and we are exceedingly grateful. 

Scouts uses hands-on, fun activities and life-skills application to help young boys and girls navigate their choices and lead them down a path that is wholesome and compassionate, giving them motivation and the confidence they need to be successful in whatever they choose to do. The beloved Mary Poppins character, whom many of us have grown to become familiar with is very similar in this fashion, giving children the opportunity to learn compassion and responsibility through love, imagination and play. Artisan Center Theater's production of Mary Poppins begins with Mr. Banks, Mark Haley and Mrs. Banks, Christy Troia, who struggle to keep a nanny in their home, due to the wild nature of their children--son, Michael, played by Clark Nuttall and daughter, Jane, played by Eisley Wood. Soon enough, we meet a pristine young woman, named Mary Poppins, who will forever change their lives. Payton Reeves-Lauerman plays a beautiful, well-polished Mary Poppins who brings so much joy and structure to the lives of the children and their entire family. Ms. Reeves-Lauerman's representation of Mary Poppins is "practically perfect, in every way," presented with a no-nonsense strength, polished grace, and a witty comedic timing to boot! She means business, and she will use all the tricks up her sleeve (and in her bag) to get it, all while keeping the dignity of her young apprentices in tact! Ms. Reeves-Lauerman is absolutely outstanding in this role and so much fun to admire!

First on the list for Mary and the children, is a visit to the chimney sweep, Bert, played by Devon Watkins, who is a long-time friend of Mary Poppins. Bert's pleasant, lighthearted disposition combined with Mary's appreciation for hard work and good spirit is what unites these two in a devoted friendship. Mr. Watkins portrays a cheery, carefree Bert with a zest for life and genuine pride for who he is--one that is contagious to all who come to make his acquaintance. Mr. Watkins utilizes his charm to bring us a pleasing and refreshing character. His bright smile, twinkling eyes and bounce in his step take us back to our younger days of playing hopscotch with our friends and riding bicycles until supper time. 

Directors Connie Sanchez and Kelvin Dilks do a fantastic job of bringing this beautiful musical to life, using an immensely talented cast of principle and ensemble actors/singers/dancers to bring us a tale full of celebration and education. When describing the production, they say "The joy this musical brings is priceless, but what we learn from Mary Poppins is life-changing and so needed in today's world." I couldn't agree more, nor have put it better myself! Additionally, Stage Manager, Stephen Jakubik and Assistant Stage Manager, Jennifer Gallego supervise a fluent, timely and careful set/prop/costume/tech crew, who administer smooth transitions between the ever-changing scenes in this production. Props and set pieces appear in many ways, as if by magic! 

Don't miss your chance to see this sensational musical--full of life, imagination and play! Your family will adore every minute of it! 



Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie Shaw, 

Owner of Dallas Theatre Journal and Editor-in-Chief

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