Broadway Palm's 'Mary Poppins' a delightful experience

FORT MYERS — Can anyone top the performances of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke as Mary Poppins and Bert the chimney sweep in the film version of “Mary Poppins”?

That delightful story of a special nanny who finally makes a difference in the lives of Jane (Grainny McCleary) and Michel Banks (Paulson Martone), the children of banker George Banks (James Schulz) and his wife Winnifred (Melissa Campbell), seems totally new again in Fort Myers at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

Possibly the most spoiled children in England, if not the world, Jane and Michael wear out nannies faster than drops of rain hitting London streets in a downpour.

But when Mary Poppins (Leah Spurlock) magically appears one day, there will be some changes made “in a most delightful way” and not just in the family of George (James Schultz) and Winifred Banks (Melissa Campbell).

This is a musical with a big cast with some 38 performers and alternates who danced and sang their way into the hearts of Friday night’s audience, assisted by the music of the Loren Strickland/Gary Stroh orchestra, direction and choreography by Amy Marie McClery, set design by Clifton Chadick, tech direction by Cody O’Dell and Ben Porter, wigs by Eryn Miller and Anthony Miller and sound and light designs by Abbey Dillard.

Casting by Brian Enzman featured plenty of talent in all shapes and sizes who provided one delightful moment after another in this stellar production.

The youngest McLeary, as young Jane Banks, is no newcomer to this stage, having been in “The Sound of Music,” “Little Mermaid,” “Elf” and “Newsies” in past seasons.

Another one to watch for here and elsewhere is Heidi-Liz Johnson, whose vocal range is astounding as Miss Andrews, as the Bird Woman and in the ensemble, where she dances as well as sings.

And then there is the chimney sweep, Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke in the film version and at the Palm by Matthew J. Brightbill, with a twinkle in his eye and rhythm in his every step.

On this stage, these lead roles proved to be Mary Poppins and Bert, rather than famous movie stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Add the hot fudge on the Broadway Palm dessert table and what more could one want?

Margaret Warrington (Mrs. Brill, the housekeeper) is new to Broadway Palm but with plenty of experience that added to this production.

The depth of talent from all over the U.S. and McCleary’s direction and more are reasons for making the drive to Fort Myers.

Playing in the Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is “Murder on the 19th Hole.” Both theaters are at 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers. For tickets to that or the mainstage production of Mary Poppins, visit BroadwayPalm.com or call the box office at 239-278-4422.