OKLAHOMA CITY — Kicking off Lyric Theatre’s annual summer season – when they pull out all the stops and launch their biggest, Broadway-level productions at OKC’s Civic Center – is the fantastical family favorite “Mary Poppins.”
The story of a mysterious, magical nanny that floats into the dysfunctional Banks family’s lives and expounds the wonders of imagination has remained a consistent source of family-friendly joy for generations, and Lyric’s new production is a vibrant reminder of why.
Bursting with magical dance numbers, life lessons galore, umbrella-assisted flying, and everyone’s favorite inexplicably long, nonsensical word, this is a show practically perfect for introducing children to the spectacle of live theatre.
With the musical already a guaranteed hit following two decades’ worth of records and acclaim between Broadway and London’s West End, Lyric’s hotly anticipated homegrown production generated even more excitement with the casting of OU alum-turned-Grammy-winner Adrianna Hicks in the title role.
First adapted for the stage in 2004, this version of the classic “Poppins” tales sidesteps any misplaced modernization and instead aims squarely for classical nostalgia and simplistic, childlike timelessness, enough that it might surprise many theatergoers to learn that it’s not all straight from the 60s.
Diehards of Disney’s 1964 film classic will admittedly find a significantly different, largely reworked story here, but one that actually follows author P.L. Travers’ book series more closely, including expanded drama and conflicts and a more roundly drawn ensemble of characters.
Not to worry, though, as the film’s most beloved, immortal songs remain, with many featuring through numerous reprises and extended singalongs, offering plenty of opportunity for young “Poppins” initiates to fall in love with the same magical music as their parents and grandparents.
Favorites like “The Perfect Nanny” and “Jolly Holiday” fill roughly the same time-honored roles and placements as in the movie, but smash hits like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and the dazzling, showstopping “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” get moved around and re-explored in surprising ways.
But it’s not just the catchy, vaudevillian songs or the magical fantasy that have kept “Poppins” in hearts and minds for more than six decades, it’s the unwavering charm and confident fun of the characters, not only of Mary herself, but of all the endlessly memorable supporters.
It’s no surprise that all the fun and charisma relies on a genuine, insistently watchable actress in the lead role, and what OKC audiences are getting with Hicks hits that high mark and then just keeps rising.
She has an absolutely effortless charm and inexhaustible charisma that legitimately rivals the great Julie Andrews – albeit with just a touch more modern sass sprinkled on – and it’s easy to see (and hear) the abilities that won her a 2024 Grammy alongside her “Some Like It Hot” castmates on Broadway.
The character of Mary Poppins herself is constantly toeing the line between stern and fantastical, with a razor sharp wit and side-eye that can make anyone feel stupid for not believing in magic.
Hicks delivers every beat of that personality perfectly, and every time she raises her voice to sing or kicks up her feet to dance, it’s rousing and applause-worthy, skills that she developed in previous leading roles with Lyric before striking Broadway gold.
Even during the few, brief opening night hiccups (a faulty prop resulting in a quick mistimed cue,) Hicks was a picture of professionalism and lightning wit, responding to the gaffe perfectly in character in an instant and getting a well deserved laugh from the crowd.
That level of talent and professionalism has a way of bringing out the very best and most confident elements of everyone else involved as well, and it shows throughout the cast, the staging, and the breathtaking choreography.
The young Kaylie Fitzpatrick and Parker Ferguson shined all the way through as the Banks children with an easy believability and naturally mischievous air, and their shared ability to handle the vocal demands and dancing physicality is remarkable.
Mandy Jiran’s Winifred Banks feels warm and welcome in every scene, and she even got one of the biggest applause breaks of the evening with no more than an unexpectedly sustained note and great comic timing.
But the true standout alongside Hicks is unquestionably Cory Lingner, who brings Broadway experience, pitch-perfect pipes, and above all, an electrifying, eye-popping dancing prowess to the infinitely loveable chimney sweep, Bert.
The ever-classic ensemble tap showcase “Step in Time” is surely the night’s biggest moment, with the sensationally, acrobatically choreographed number led by Lingner in an impossibly fluid combo of tap, jazz, and ballet.
It has all the excitement, spectacle, and infectious song needed, then, to draw in newcomers, and stands to be one of the best choices for any young child’s first live theatre show, with a soft and accessible humor and simplistic story.
But its morals aren’t only for children.
What Poppins teaches the Banks family (and everyone else with whom she crosses paths) is that genuine compassion, charity, understanding, and even love are all impossible without an active imagination.
No matter how many times you’ve heard the songs or how many times you’ve seen an actor “fly” on wires, that lesson and its sentiment will always feel like magic when it hits you.
“Mary Poppins” presented by Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma runs now through Sunday, June 30th at Civic Center.
For showtimes, tickets, and more, visit lyrictheatreokc.com.
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
