Courtesy of Landmark Musicals

The 2004 musical includes songs from the 1964 Disney film, with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes. The story is a fusion of P. L. Travers' children's books and the film.

The story takes place in 1910 London. The dysfunctional Banks family is having trouble keeping a nanny. As the play opens, the Banks children–Jane (Nika Ivanchov and Hanna Reifsteck) and Michael (Hudson Giannini and Malcom Brunton)–have run away yet again, and the most recent nanny has quit.

Parents George Banks (Rob Armstrong Martin) and Winifred Banks (Megan McCormick) place an ad for a new nanny. Mary Poppins (Elora Daniels) answers the ad and gets the job. We first see Mary landing on her flying bicycle. You have to hand it to Landmark Musicals for creating the rigging to elevate Mary and, later, Mary's friend Bert (Tim MacAlpine). Apparently, the actors had fun learning the wire work. By the end of the production, they're doing acrobatics on the wires.

Over the course of the story, the presence of the miraculous Mary Poppins encourages the family to overcome enough of its dysfunction to no longer need a nanny. Mary Poppins is a sweet, positive, and instructive tale that leaves the world healthier through Mary's many examples.

Landmark Musicals' Mary Poppins, under the direction of Laurie Finnegan, is a vibrant spectacle that beams with energy from beginning to end. The company's executive director and producer, Louis Giannini, teams up with Courtney Giannini to deliver spectacular choreography. Given the decades-long dance experience of Louis and Courtney, it's not surprising that the choreography is a major standout in this production. At times, the dancers wrap around the audience, creating a lovely immersive experience.

Over the years, Louis has moved up in the leadership of Landmark Musicals as the founders, Myra and Bob Cochnar, receded and ultimately retired. The quality under Louis has matched and even exceeded the Cochnars' excellent work. He has built a strong creative team that includes resident director Laurie Finnegan, choreographer Courtney Giannini, music director Shelly Andes, and costume designer Erin Moots. The team shines in this production.

The live orchestra under Andes' direction makes the music come absolutely alive. Hats off to the entire cast and production team for a superb production.

Mary Poppins runs through March 29, 2026, at the Rodey Theatre in the UNM Fine Arts Center, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. General admission is $34. Seniors, first responders, military, and educators pay $30. Students and youth (up to 12) pay $19. For tickets and information, please visit landmarkmusicals.org