review - MARY POPPINS - Mesa Encore Theatre

Hector Coris, Nicholas Gunnell, Heidi-Liz Johnson, Samantha Gibbons, Elliot Noah Thompson, and Cast
Photo by Stephanie 'Tippi' Hart-Dragonfly Studio Photography

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 18th.

"Mesa Encore Theatre's production of Mary Poppins is, to use a phrase that P. L. Travers' iconic literary character uses to refer to herself, "practically perfect." MET has found perfect leads and with lively direction and effective creative elements the end result is a perfectly wonderful, crowd pleasing and joyous affair....Heidi-Liz Johnson wonderfully gets across Mary's perfect combination of strictness and good intentions with undercurrents of fun and love. ...Johnson's voice excels on every song she sings with bright, beautiful notes. Nicholas Gunnell is joyful and spirited with plenty of charm and a playful mischievousness as Mary's chimney sweep friend Bert..Gunnell's strong and clear signing voice, limber limbs, and wink in his eye instill the role with a jolt of vibrancy and theatricality. MET has included a flying component in the show, which adds a few magical moments for Johnson as well as a fun bit for Gunnell in "Step in Time" ..Samantha Gibbons and Elliot Noah Thompson deliver spirited portrayals of two rambunctious, fun-loving and adorable kids...Tom Mangum and Danielle Hale are equally good as their parents....Director David Chorley does an exceptional job. He adds many original comic bits throughout that add pops of humor while always making sure the seriousness of the story is never lost...Full of exuberant moments, a terrific cast who create memorable characters, lively musical segments, and superb direction, Mesa Encore Theatre's Mary Poppins is a beautiful production of a beloved classic......... " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)