I only saw the stage production once, but I rather thought it was the re-envisioning of the movie into a stage show that made Mary Poppins mean (and the children unappealing). The movie version was, for me, a happy, if somewhat accidental remaking of the books. Andrews was such a deeply pleasing creature that, even though her Mary Poppins made a gesture toward being stern and unemotional (as she is in the series pf books), her personal beauty and voice (and the extended animation sequence) catapulted her character into the sort of magical heroine anyome would’ve adored. Not like the book, but preferable to me.
So I wonder about this review. I think what the reviewer takes issue with is the intention of this version (not the actress’ limitation). |
