Originally Posted By Rsey103 Okay, I think I know the answer to my question, but.... I enjoyed "Mary Poppins" in September (see post 37 above) and ever since then I've been wondering.... Was that REALLY Gavin Lee himself doing that dancing on the ceiling or was it a look-alike stunt double? He was so high up there it was almost frightening to watch. I think it was Gavin. Am I right? Anyone else wondered about this? I agree with leemac in #33 about Temper Temper. It was awfully dark and creepy. I suggest they get rid of that scene before sailing the show across the Atlantic. Nobody'll miss it. And get rid of Miss Andrew, as well. This show doesn't need a villian. LOVED Jenny Galloway as Mrs. Brill. Bring her with you when you come to New York, why don't ya? (Has Dick Van Dyke seen the show in London? Anybody know?)
Originally Posted By irishfan >>On the movie front, only the characters and the songs make it into the musical. Each song is set to a completely different scenario, so no, I don't think seeing the movie is essential viewing, except for comparison<< And to differentiate it that bit more, the lyrics are altered in some of the songs, specially in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. >>I agree with leemac in #33 about Temper Temper. It was awfully dark and creepy. I suggest they get rid of that scene before sailing the show across the Atlantic. Nobody'll miss it.<< I agree it is a bit dark, but there's nothing wrong it that. It's much more in keeping with Travers books. Unlike the movie, these kids had tempers! >>Was that REALLY Gavin Lee himself doing that dancing on the ceiling or was it a look-alike stunt double?<< It never even entered my head that it wasn't him.
Originally Posted By Rsey103 I don't think people here in the states are as familiar with the Travers books as maybe they are in Britian. I like to browse book stores everywhere I go and I've never seen a Pamela Travers book anywhere----(not that I've tried that hard to find one.) I don't expect they'll change the show when they bring it to New York. But I do believe the closer they come to the Disney film the more success they will enjoy in the U.S.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Believe you me, the Travers books are not that well known in the UK. Most people over here think Walt created MP. And Dick Van Dyke had a terrible accent (but I like it)
Originally Posted By Rsey103 >>Believe you me, the Travers books are not that well known in the UK. Most people over here think Walt created MP.<< Interesting, davewasbaloo. When I saw the show I got the impression that the intent was to honor Travers much more than to honor Disney. I came away thinking, "They must really love the books over here." If what I saw in London comes to New York I'm afraid the American audiences are going to feel a certain amount of disappointment. If my money were invested in the show I'd be makin' some changes.
Originally Posted By 45YearsofMagic There will be changes before it opens in NYC in October. It is Gavin Lee doing all the ceiling dancing, no stunt double. They don't pull any Aladdin-at-DCA kinda stuff.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hi Rsey103, Your thoughts are interesting. However, there are a couple of points for consideration: 1. Disney are reknowned for paying homage to stories, even if the general public know little about them. These thematic nuances are clearly demonstrated throughout Disney films and the theme parks, so why not the theatrical productions too! 2. The West End (and Broadway) tend to like to put their own spin on a story to differentiate particularly from film - Hamlet set in WW2, Much Ado About Nothing set in the 1920's, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was quite different from the film and so on. MacIntosh is reknowned for this sort of behaviour and therefore, the darker version? So in short, it is probably all of the above in equal measure.
Originally Posted By Rsey103 The producers may have been caught in a no-win situation. If they had based the show entirely on the film they would have been criticized for not bringing their own ideas. But by going to the books and bringing in a variety of characters and situations they risk not meeting the expectations of their audience that loved the movie. How much influence did Travers herself have over this production? I read in the program that she knew about it before she died (which surprised me). Was it she who insisted on having those other characters and scenes in the show before she would sign off on it?
