Mary Poppins

The stage musical

On 15th December 2004 Cameron Mackintosh's stage adaptation of the Disney film adaptation opened at Prince Edward Theatre, London to enthusiastic critical acclaim. The part of Mary was taken by Laura Michelle Kelly, who subsequently won the 2005 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the role. Her co-stars included Gavin Lee (Bert), David Haig (Mr Banks) and Linzi Hately (Mrs Banks).

Related Topics:
15th December - 2004 - Cameron Mackintosh - Laura Michelle Kelly - Olivier Award - Gavin Lee - David Haig - Linzi Hately

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There was additional music and lyrics by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe, composers of the Olivier Award winning Honk, and the book was written by Julian Fellowes. It was directed by former National Theatre artistic director Richard Eyre and co-directed by Matthew Bourne, who also acted as co-choreographer with Stephen Mear. Some elements from the books that had been omitted from the film — the walking statue, the ladders rising to the stars — were restored. Others were removed, such as the scene in which Uncle Albert gets caught on the ceiling, laughing.

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Matthew Bourne - Stephen Mear

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Stephen Sondheim wrote an adaptation of Mary Poppins as an assignment during his 'apprenticeship' under Oscar Hammerstein II. The adaptation has never been performed, because the rights holders for the book did not grant permission for the show to go into production. The musical remains unfinished.

Related Topics:
Stephen Sondheim - Oscar Hammerstein II

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