A SPOONFUL OF ACTING MAKES THE THEATER AWESOME. Check out the Eau Claire Children’s Theater production of Mary Poppins running at the State Theatre March 5-8.

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" Odds are when you read that to yourself just now, you also recited the classic melody from one of Disney’s most classic films.
Mary Poppins, the magical nanny we all know and love, will soon be flying on her umbrella into the Chippewa Valley, courtesy of the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. The ECCT’s production of Mary Poppins will be playing at the State Theatre on March 5-8. With Wayne Marek directing this musical, this will be a wonderful production of P. L. Travers’ tale.

This musical adaptation was first brought to the stage a little over 10 years ago, with music written by the Sherman brothers and a script by Julian Fellowes. The story that we know is still the same: Everything is out of control for the Banks family, their children are simply nasty, and Mary Poppins shows up just in the nick of time.

With some magic, along with her warm and caring nature, Mary Poppins helps clean things up while teaching the children a thing or two about being better people. Just like the movie, this is a great show for you and the whole family.
This isn’t an exact adaptation of the film, however. The musical throws out some items from the movie and includes elements from the book. Several scenes, such as the laughing tea party on the ceiling at Uncle Albert’s, are cut out completely. Instead the scene is replaced by a visit to Mrs. Corry’s shop, which is taken from the book.

Whether you’re a fan of the movie, have read all the books, or both, this is a show that you’ll recognize and enjoy.

Eau Claire Children’s Theatre production of Mary Poppins • Mar. 5-7, 7:30pm; March 7-8, 1:30pm • The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-8877 • www.ecct.org