Mary Poppins, the world famous nanny, has blown in on the east winds and landed center stage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre
This beloved tale of the dysfunctional Banks family and their super-nanny, Mary Poppins will be showing through Aug. 30 at the Fox, starring the original Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, as Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively.

Packed with excitement and adventure from the opening scene, “Mary Poppins” immediately pulls the audience into the fantastical world of storybook fiction. At first glance, the set appears a rather dull fa?ade of a murky London house. But as the scene unfolds, so does the house, opening like a life-sized pop-up book, pulling the audience into the story and refusing to let go until the curtain call.

Theater impresario Cameron Mackintosh has teamed up with Disney to produce the stage musical. Since new characters, plot twists and songs have been added to the stage adaptation, the production more closely resembles the book series by P.L. Travers.

This collaboration proves to be a success as the show is both enjoyable and emotionally satisfying. The production keeps an audience of all ages engaged until the last scene when Mary Poppins soars over the audience, umbrella and carpetbag in hand.

Though audiences should not expect a rehashed version of the popular 1964 Disney film, all the favorite tunes are still included. “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” have been reworked to better fit the plot and fine-tuned to incorporate elaborate dance sequences.

The dance in the show compliments the melodies and rhythms of the songs. Statues in the park spring to life and create a magical world in “Jolly Holiday” and the extensive tap number during “Step in Time” will astound the audience, as Lee defies gravity with his chimney-top tapping skills.

Lee is charming and witty until the end, fitting perfectly into the role.

The rest of the cast is equally as astounding in their respective roles. Poppins is not an easy role to live up to, but Ashley Brown is “practically perfect” in her portrayal of Mary Poppins.

She is a stern, wise nanny, who never explains and comes and goes as the wind blows. She comes off a little arrogant, but she has grace and charm and, for some reason, we cannot help but to fall in love with this mysterious, magical nanny.

“Mary Poppins” is simple, delightful and heart warming. This show is suitable for all ages, and kids and adults alike will find themselves mesmerized by the magical world created in this Make sure not to miss it.

The Fox has a number of student deals for tickets for this production. Tickets for seats in the Rear Orchestra and Lower Balcony are just $25 for students from Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday Evening, including a Thursday matinee. Tickets for seats in the Rear Orchestra and Lower Balcony are just $30 for students Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday and Sunday matinees.

Limit two tickets per valid school I.D. beginning two hours prior to show time at the box office only.

For more information about The Fox Theater’s upcoming season, visit www.fabulousfox.com.