Variety reports that plans for the stage musical Mary Poppins are firming up, and the show is on track for its premiere 14 months from now. Veteran broadway producer Cameron Mackintosh (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) and Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatricals, plan to have the show in rehearsals next July, have an 8 week out-of-town run starting in in September, and then open on London's West End on December 15, 2004, at the Prince Edward Theater. The Oscar winning music of the Sherman brothers will be expanded with "six new songs from the London-based team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, whose National Theater entry Honk! The Ugly Duckling had the audacity to scoop the 2000 Olivier for best musical from Disney behemoth The Lion King".
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Can I just say right now that I am sooo insanely excited about this project even though I can't imagine anyone else other than Julie Andrews as Mary? I LOVE Mary Poppins! And to think I'd never seen it until five years ago when my husband, (then boyfriend), MADE me watch it.
I wish I could say "That's what you think!" and announce that it is coming to New York, but I am afraid you are correct. It is coming to the London Stage (but you never know, they may also bring it here).
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
I seem to recall that there had been talk that Mary Poppins would make its way to Broadway after the London run started. So, who know, Captain, perhaps you're a bit clairvoyant?
Mary Poppins will not open on Broadway in 2004. Bristol first, then London, then perhaps Broadway. More info in my column (check my plugs!) - UK Roundup
i did not no know about this. It is one of my favorite disney movies. If i did it i wanna be the dude that sings "Stepping TIme" i forgot hiw name. It will be great. To bad JJulie Andrews wont do it. I miss her so much.