Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: Mary Poppins

Okay, okay, this one is asked often.... how do I review something I have seen before? Easily. Particularly if it is from a different theater group. I love to see different versions of the same story, whether on stage or the big screen. For example, there have been numerous versions and facets told of the maritime disaster of Titanic in 1912. They are each good in their own way.

Logan Sejas, Doug King, Buddy Reeder

But a classic fictional work like the 1934 P.L. Travers' Mary Poppins?

Yes. It's still interesting to discover different takes on the familiar tale. For example, Disney's famous version with animated penguins in 1964. Everyone's favorite, I am certain. Naturally there are no animated sections in the stage production, now on stage at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis. With the 50th anniversary of the film on DVD and the release of Saving Mr. Banks, starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, all eyes are skyward for the flying nanny and many theaters are introducing a new group of people to the live version. I reviewed the Broadway Across America production when it came to Indy. (read review here)

Cara Statham Serber

Buddy Reeder takes the quiet approach to his role of Bert, the chimney sweep and artist who befriends the children and takes a holiday with Mary Poppins, portrayed by Cara Statham Serber. Serber serves up the role of the nanny best during "Practically Perfect" and "Feed the Birds."

Don't underestimate Reeder's less comical style than Van Dyke's Stretch-Armstrong version of the man who keeps the story moving along. Reeder's strength lies in his high-energy dance steps, laid-back facial expressions and cat-like entrances and exits, drawing the audience into his character. "Step in Time" brings down the house with applause for good reason.

Chelsea Leis

Logan Sejas surprises as the young Michael Banks especially when discovering it is his first foray onto the northside stage. His confidence and ability to hit every cue bely his lack of experience and give reason to believe he will grow admirably in his acting career.

Eddie Curry

Also in the spotlight is Chelsea Leis as the Bird Woman. This song is significant as the turning point in the world of the Banks' children and patriarch. Leis' "Feed the Birds" was both haunting and sweet.

Kelly Teal Goyette

Stepping into the role of Mr. Banks is Eddie Curry, an audience ~ and critic ~ favorite. Typically set into "good guy" roles such as a minister or loveable sidekick, Curry gives a different view of his talent. The uber strict and uptight banker believes life should be about discipline and order and Curry's rendition of "A Man has Dreams" reminds us that Curry's vocal talents are often overshadowed by his comedic work.

Laughter was heard throughout the production, but with Curry taking the dramatic role, the comedic baton was picked up by Kelly Teal Goyette as Mrs. Brill, the Banks' cook. Taking the exasperation of the chaos around her, Goyette turns it into multiple opportunities for a hammed-up quip in an absolutely delightful performance.

Special note: Most shows can be seen throughout the run with more-or-less the same level of performance. There will be some changes and tweaking, but nothing worth a second visit. I firmly believe as good as this show is now, it will be spectacular by the end of the run and worth a second attendance. The main characters, I believe, will come into their duets more smoothly, the young Mr. Sejas will learn to speak louder and the dance of the chimney sweeps will be adorned with higher kicks and an even more jovial attitude as confidence is earned and the performers and dancers become more comfortable with each other. But, a word of caution, plan on getting tickets early as there are several sold-out performances already and additional shows are currently being added as word of the quality of the show gets around town.

Bottom Line: The solid cast turns Beef and Boards' Mary Poppins into a high-kicking, colorful must-see for families and theater lovers of all ages which will only get even better with time.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes the food and wine magazine columns, Destination Dining and White Linen, is a luxury, travel, food, wine and spirits magazine writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. Read her also on GottaGo.us and FoodDigital.com. Find her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Review: Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary DVD

I still remember when I attempted to "fly" like Mary Poppins with my trusty Mary Poppins umbrella ~ off the shed's roof at my parent's house. I was about 9 years old, I believe.

To this day, I wonder how I made it through childhood with my adventures constantly putting me in dangerous paths. I can only assume that the dear nanny was looking out for me that windy day.

We all have films we grew up watching and revisiting them bring that warm wave of nostalgia. Walt Disney, M. L. Travers and the new film, Saving Mr. Banks, brings the Disney classic Mary Poppins, back around as well with its 50th anniversary DVD. It's no surprise that the film comes out during the 50th anniversary year. The release of the two-pack special edition gives a few things the original did not contain.

As a fan of the nanny who flies in to take care of the family in 1910, I looked forward to the release of the DVD. Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke are still enjoyable after all these years. This is a perfect example of how a movie becomes a classic. A story that spans time, values worth applying tour own lives, and extreme talent in the form of actors, lyricists, directors and choreographers, among others. The story, based on the works of P.L. Travers, is strong, flows seamlessly and stands the test of time.

The modern take on the movie consists of the other extras. The disc has a great sing-along, karaoke style for kids, bringing them into the story even more. The making of the film extra is enlightening with the behind-the-scenes-look. Blu Ray is also included in the two-pack, as well as a code so you can watch it on a smartphone.

Special commentary, interviews and conversations with and between costars, and song creators make the DVD a fun way to find out about the making of the movie. Deleted scenes are included, and it is digitally restored.

Bottom Line: Bringing Mary Poppins out of the vault to share with the nest generation can only be described as a scrumpdilicious idea.

For more information on the 50th anniversary edition, visit Disney.com.
Images: Disney

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, a spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published at www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Elizabeth writes food and dining magazine columns: Destination Dining and Cork & Fork. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

The Cabaret: Christine Pedi

If you conjure up an image of a New York penthouse apartment, complete with a polished piano, chandelier and several dozen friends invited over for cocktails and frivolity, then you have just imagined the setting for Christine Pedi's Great Dames at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club.
Fooled into expecting a singer to imitate several divas from Broadway fame, the audience was clearly snookered.
We were tricked into believing we were there to see a regular singer, imitating other, better singers. Not even close.
False advertising, you could call it, actually. Should those in attendance request a refund of money spent?
Absolutely not.
In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if several offered to pay twice the ticket price for the sheer enjoyment of the high-quality show.
This lady is more than just a regular singer.
She's a kitten with claws, a polished performer and a diva in her own right. The show wasn't just an offering of a singer imitating others. It was two shows in one: comedy act and musical concert.

Only a truly powerful and gifted singer could make her way through the list of tunes Pedi breezed through. Spoonful of Sugar, Funny Girl, Trolley Song, When You're Good to Mama, Nothing like a Dame and Lady is a Tramp are a few of the choice numbers.
Looking as comfortable as if lounging in her own skyscraper dwelling, the comedienne and impressionist delighted the crowd with her version of several divas from throughout time.
The elegant surroundings could not curb the feisty nature of the New Yorker. Vamping it up with her rendition of Barbra Streisand, Liza Minelli, Julie Andrews and Judy Garland, the songstress played with the audience like a kitten with a ball of string. Tossing us this way and that, we rolled through many years worth of music on Broadway.
When not wowing crowds with her musical and comedic abilities, Pedi hosts Broadway Breakfast Daily on Sirius/XM radio. Along with her pianist, arranger, and sometimes backup singer, Matthew Ward, Pedi circles the globe performing in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
Bottom Line: Christine Pedi spreads her own delicious brand of sass and brass without reservation; after all, this lady is not just a tramp, she's also a diva.
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93.1 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Photo credit: Mark A. Lee www.GreatExposures.net

For schedule, ticket and details, visit thecabaret.org
For information about the performer, visit christinepedi.com