Logan O'Neil and Renee Cordonnier

Venice Theatre has given Mary Poppins a rum go with strong performances in the leads, Renee Cordonnier as Mary Poppins and Logan O'Neil as Bert. She sings well and manages the stiff backed presence that this version of Mary Poppins requires. He is full of insouciance balanced with a natural charm, wonderful as Bert guides us through the story. The rest of the cast is uneven; some supporting parts are well taken, others not so much. The big dance number "Step in Time" is well done, led by Mr. O'Neil's fine dancing, but even when he retreats three or four ensemble members dance well in his absence.

The finest parts of this production are the beautiful sets by Tim Wisgerhof and the fabulous, wonderfully colorful costumes by Nicholas Hartman. This version demands multiple settings and Mr. Wisgerhof delivers one of the most lavish productions I have ever seen in community theater. Mr. Hartman's costumes have always been on such a high level that when he left Venice Theater to pursue other ventures a few years ago, he got quite a write up in Sarasota's local newspaper. It is great to have him back and Mary Poppins is some of his very best work. Director Murray Chase and choreographer Geena Ravella have managed to keep this very large production focused. Music director Michelle Kasanofsky conducts well. I was not really all that impressed by the Flying Effects provided by ZFX, Inc., but friends tell me that those seen in the Broadway production were underwhelming as well.

Bravo to Venice Theatre for attempting a production on this scale. Judging by the audience members at the performance I attended, my opinion may be a minority one—most everyone else seemed to love Mary Poppins.

Venice Theater presents Mary Poppins through March 15, 2015. 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice, FL Box Office (941) 488-1115 www.venicestage.com.

Cast: Mary Poppins: Renee Cordonnier
Bert: Logan O'Neil
George Banks: Douglas Landin
Winifred Banks: Lisa Figueroa
Jane Banks: Kiley Berkery or Natalie Taylor
Michael Banks: Ryan Hunek or Logan Schultz
Katie Nanna (and Mary Poppins understudy): Jessica Tasetano
Policeman/Park Keeper/Von Hussler: Bob Peters
Miss Lark: DaNiesha Carr
Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman: Douglas Snure
Mrs. Brill: Kristi Hibschman
Robertson Ay: Charlie Kollar
Mrs. Corry: Lisa Revis
Neleus/Fannie: Sean London Young
Miss Smythe/Annie: Teri DeNiro
Northbrook/Punch: Gary Grossman
Bird Woman: Ruth Shaulis
Valentine: Timothy-Michael Chastain
Teddy Bear: Parker Lawhorne
Doll: Makenzie Callahan
Miss Andrew: Angela Benardo
Ensemble: Jillian Alexander, Amy Blake, Melyssa Dawson, Antoinette Gagliano, Emma Gallagher, Arta Hajroja, Chloe Marchand, Isabella Smith, Haley Vidolin, Grace Wickerson

Director: Murray Chase
Music Director: Michelle Kasanofsky
Choreographer: Geena Ravella
Assistant Director: Sean London Young
Stage Manager: Lisa Million
Sound Designers: Dorian boyd, Jaclyn Ledoux
Costume Designer: Nicholas Hartman,br>Scenic Designer: Tim Wisgerhof
Lighting Designer: Ryan Mueller
Light Board Operator: Lisa Million
Sound Board Operator: Kitty Leonowicz
Backstage Crew: Melody Actouka, Jeff Cochran, Tiffany Coffman
Backstage Dressers: Dawn Bombard, Beverly Bright, Ann Geise
Fly Rail Operators: Bill Johnson, Mark Richardson
Spot Light Operators: Nate Oss, Deb Polk
Hair/Wig Designers: Terry Oxboel, Sean London Young
Make-up Designer: Parker Lawhorne
Hair/Make-up Stylists: Marmony Caie, Matthew Ignotis, Vanessa Ivanko

Conductor/Keyboards: Michelle Kasanofsky
Keyboards: Michelle Neal
Trumpet: Tim Eaton
Reeds: Ellen Wittman
Jamie Marshall
Drums: Joel Broome

Photo: Renee McVety

--William S. Oser