Synopsis: Based in London, the Banks household is in absolute shambles. Two mischievous children, one overwhelmed mother, and a father who thinks “quality time” is something you schedule between business meetings. After yet another nanny leaves in distress, the practically perfect Mary Poppins (Laureli) blows in and immediately takes charge. With the help of her cheerful, slightly chaotic friend Bert (Will), Mary whisks Jane (Hannah) and Michael (Miles) on magical adventures involving dancing statues, life lessons disguised as fun, and an outing on a rooftop. Along the way, the children learn how to behave (mostly), the adults learn how to feel things again, and the entire household discovers that maybe, just maybe, family matters more than being “proper.” Featuring catchy songs, a touch of magic, and enough chimney sweeps to make your stage manager nervous, Mary Poppins Jr. reminds us all that a spoonful of sugar helps…well, pretty much everything.

Stage & Set Design: I had the unique opportunity to attend the production during its “soft” opening, the final dress rehearsal, which meant the curtain was already open when I arrived. This gave me time to really take in the set design beforehand, so once the show started, I could focus on the performance instead of quietly judging furniture choices (which, for the record, were solid).

The first thing that stood out was the use of color. The pastel yellow walls created an immediate sense of warmth and nostalgia; like stepping into your grandmother’s house, where everything feels cozy and you’re 90% sure there are cookies somewhere nearby. This softness was nicely contrasted by the rich brickwork of the fireplace and back wall, which added depth and made both elements stand out without competing for attention.

One of the more clever design choices was the use of rotating wall units. The pastel yellow walls transformed smoothly into a soft blue nursery, clearly defining the children’s space while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive. It was a simple but effective bit of stagecraft that kept scene changes moving without many awkward pauses or “ignore the crew moving this” moments.

While not every prop was perfectly locked into the time period, everything stayed close enough to maintain the feel of early 20th-century London. Nothing pulled you out of the story, which in theatre, is half the battle. Overall, the set struck a great balance between charm and functionality, supporting the show without ever trying to steal it.

The backdrop featured a beautifully hand-painted evening cityscape of London, instantly setting the tone and transporting the audience into the world of the show. Trixie Hollyhox once again showcased her artistic talent, bringing an entire city to life with what is, just a simple sheet of cloth. Through vibrant colors, thoughtful detail, and a strong sense of atmosphere, she created a visually striking piece that added depth and charm to the production. It’s always impressive to see how much impact a well-crafted backdrop can have, and this was a perfect.

Laureli (Mary Poppins):

Laureli was fantastic as Mary Poppins. Having watched her perform over the years, it’s been impressive to see just how much she’s grown and at this point, she’s reached a level of comfort on stage that makes everything she does look almost effortless. She carries herself with a natural confidence that fits the role perfectly, stepping into scenes with ease and holding the audience’s attention without ever seeming to try too hard (which, honestly, feels very “practically perfect” of her). Her performance was polished, controlled, and full of charm, showing a clear understanding of both the character and the stage.

There were a few brief moments where she seemed to hesitate on lines; whether it was a quick “wait, is this my line or yours?” moment or just a tiny brain hiccup (we’ve all been there). But they were minor and didn’t take away from the performance. If anything, they stood out simply because everything else she did felt so smooth and confident. What stands out most is how relaxed and in control she is. It’s the kind of presence that makes you forget you’re watching someone perform, you just believe her. And somehow, she makes it all look way easier than it actually is… which is both impressive and just a little unfair to the rest of us. A truly strong performance, and a great example of what experience, confidence, and talent can do when they all come together.

Will (Bert):

Will took on the role of Bert with a performance that really found its stride as the show went on. In his opening number, he appeared a bit nervous as his voice came across soft and slightly shaky, and he didn’t seem fully settled into the role just yet. But whatever switch flipped after that first number, it worked. From his second time on stage onward, Will really locked in. His confidence grew noticeably, his vocals became stronger and more assured, and he started to fully embody the charm and energy that make Bert such a fun character to watch. It was one of those performances where you could actually see the growth happen in real time. By the end, he felt much more comfortable and in control, showing exactly what he’s capable of when he settles into the role. Overall, a great example of pushing through early nerves and coming out stronger on the other side, and honestly, a pretty satisfying turnaround to watch.

Hannah (Jane Banks):

Hannah was an excellent choice for Jane Banks. She came across confident, prepared, and fully in control of the role; you could tell she didn’t just know her lines, but probably everyone else’s too. She had a strong understanding of the character, especially capturing that young, slightly sassy attitude that makes Jane so fun to watch. In fact… she may have understood it a little too well (and honestly, it worked). Her delivery felt natural and assured, and she stayed engaged in every moment on stage. It’s always impressive to see a young performer so locked in and comfortable in their role, and Hannah made it look easy. A very strong performance and a great fit for the character.

Miles (Michael Banks)

Miles brought a strong sense of poise to the role of Michael Banks. He carried himself well on stage, standing tall and staying in character throughout, which gave his performance a nice level of consistency. Vocally, he has a soft but powerful quality to his voice that worked really well for the role. When he settled into his lines, he delivered them clearly and with confidence, showing a solid understanding of the character. There were a few moments where it seemed like he lost his place and needed a little help getting back on track. But once he found his starting point, even just the first word or two, he jumped right back in and delivered the line perfectly. That kind of recovery says a lot. With a bit more confidence and familiarity, those small moments will smooth out, and he has all the tools to give an even stronger performance. The foundation is definitely there.

Kylan (George Banks):

Kylan returned to the role of George Banks in this cast, and it was clear he took his previous notes to heart. The improvement from the last performance was noticeable. He appeared more confident and much more aware of his stage presence, which allowed him to better command the role. Where he once seemed unsure at times, he now leaned more fully into the character, bringing a stronger sense of control and intention to his performance. His movements felt more deliberate, and his focus stayed grounded within each scene. It’s always great to see an actor grow in real time, and Kylan did exactly that. Taking feedback and turning it into visible improvement is no small thing and this time around, he looked far more comfortable owning the stage as George Banks.

Koa (Winifred Banks):

Koa brought a strong presence to the role of Winifred Banks, capturing the spirit of the character with emotion. When she sings, her voice is clear and confident, carrying well and adding strength to her musical moments. What really stood out were her facial expressions. She showed great emotional awareness on stage, reacting naturally to the scenes around her and helping bring the story to life in a genuine way. It’s a skill that not every young performer has, and she used it well. The one area for growth would be her tendency to look down at her hands or the ground during scenes. Lifting her focus and trusting herself more will make her performance even stronger and help the audience stay connected with her throughout. Because the truth is, she’s already doing great. With just a little more confidence in her posture and focus, she’ll go from strong to standout in no time.

Emma (Robertson Ay):

While Robertson Ay may not have a large number of lines, it’s a role that requires constant presence and Emma handled that beautifully. She stayed fully engaged in every scene she was part of, never dropping character for a moment. Whether she was tidying, reacting, or simply existing within the space, her attention to detail added a lot to each scene. Her facial expressions were especially effective, giving subtle reactions that helped support the action without pulling focus. It’s a quality every actor strives for, being present even when you’re not the center of attention, and Emma demonstrated that skill consistently. A strong and thoughtful performance that helped bring the world of this show to life.

Siah (Mrs. Brill):

Siah brought a steady and attentive presence to the role of Mrs. Brill. Like any strong ensemble performer, she understood that being in a scene means more than just delivering lines, it’s about contributing to the full picture. Throughout the show, she remained actively engaged, using small movements and natural reactions to support what was happening around her. Whether she was busy with stage tasks or responding to other characters, she stayed fully connected to the moment. Her facial expressions were especially honestly, insanely good. They added an extra layer of humor and realism to each scene, often enhancing moments without ever pulling focus. It’s a subtle skill, but an important one, and Siah handled it well. Her ability to stay involved and present helped keep each scene feeling alive and complete—something every production benefits from.

Extra Notes:

This being a completely different cast than last week, I made it a goal to make sure not to compare one actor or actress in a role to another. This Honeybees Cast was so good at taking the characters they played and making them their own. It was like watching a whole new show. With that said, here are some general other things I noticed during the performance.

Will and Laureli had a solid chemistry when they were on stage together that really brightened up the show as a whole.

The whole cast for the most part should slow down their line delivery. You guys know the lines, your accents are great, your stage presence is stunning… just slow it down a tad. Take your time as you speak to shine.

The dancing bees in this cast were an absolute joy to watch. From the moment they hit the stage, you could see the pride they had in their performance and it was contagious. More than anything, you could tell they were excited to share what they had worked so hard on with the audience and that kind of genuine joy is what makes moments like this so memorable.

In the bank scene, the ensemble of bankers were consistent they never seemed to miss a beat. Even when lined up along the wall, they stayed fully engaged. It’s easy for background moments like that to go flat, but this group kept the scene alive. Their commitment to staying in character helped make the entire scene feel more complete and believable. A great example of how even the “standing still” moments on stage can still be doing a lot of work.

Trinity absolutely shined as the Bird Woman, fully owning the stage the moment she stepped onto it. A seasoned performer at the West End Theatre, she has proven time and time again that there isn’t a role she can’t handle and this was no exception. Her portrayal was deeply emotional, with expressions of sorrow and quiet helplessness that felt incredibly real. She didn’t just play the character, she made you feel for her. In fact, her performance was so convincing, I was about ready to walk on stage and buy out the rest of her birdseed myself. Vocally and emotionally, she delivered a standout moment that was touching. A truly powerful performance that stayed with you even after the scene ended.

Lilli was such a pleasant surprise as Mrs. Corry. She brought a vibrant energy to the role and delivered her character with confidence and personality that really stood out. Her performance was engaging, showing a clear understanding of how to bring the character to the stage in a fun way. The only note would be to slow down, allowing her lines to land and giving the audience a chance to fully enjoy what she’s doing. But honestly, if that’s the only critique at her age, she’s in a great spot. With her natural presence and delivery, she’s well on her way to becoming a familiar face on this stage for years to come.

I did notice a LOT of backstage talking which was a little distracting at times. I know more than most how that is with a kids play, but this is the time for them to begin to get those bad habits erased from their minds. Knowing the Directors and Staff as I do, I know they already work with the kids on this, this is more for the kids to know, as an audience member, it can be heard and needs to be quelled for the show to really stick.

I don’t know what it is about the role of Miss Andrew, but the directors clearly know how to cast it perfectly. Mina, much like Juju in the previous week’s show, completely blew me away. Her vocal control was outstanding, delivering each note with precision that immediately grabbed your attention. And beyond the singing, her character work was just as impressive. She fully leaned into the role, convincingly portraying that mean-spirited, crabby old lady in a way that was believable. It was one of those performances where you don’t expect to be that impressed, and then suddenly, you are. Mina brought personality to the stage, making her a standout and lasting memory in my head.

Louis took on the role of the Police Officer, a smaller part that still plays a comedic role in keeping the scene moving. While he showed effort in the performance, he seemed a bit unprepared, forgetting his lines and needing a prompt to get back on track. When he did pick the lines back up, they came out quickly, which made them a bit harder to follow. Slowing down and giving himself a moment to settle would help the delivery feel more natural and confident. His vocal projection was also quite soft, making it difficult to hear him clearly at times. This felt like a moment where either stronger projection or microphone support would have made a big difference. That said, getting up on stage and working through those moments takes courage, especially in live theatre. And I applaud him for that.

Just like in last week’s production, the chimney sweep number was a standout moment and this cast absolutely held their own. The choreography was just as sharp and energetic, and you could tell the same level of hard work went into making the scene feel polished. The performers moved with confidence, bringing a great sense of unity to the number. It’s not an easy scene to pull off, but they made it look just as fun and seamless as the previous cast. Once again, the combination of strong choreography, enthusiastic performers, and well-matched lighting with the backdrop created a moment that really popped on stage. A great example of consistency across casts and proof that this number is a highlight of both shows.

Final Review:

After seeing this production with two completely different casts, one thing is very clear, this wasn’t just a good show, it was a strong program. Each cast brought their own personality, their own strengths, and their own little surprises, but both delivered the same thing where it really counts: heart.

Were there hiccups? Of course. It’s live theatre. There were a few missed lines, a couple of microphone battles, and the occasional moment where a prop decided it had its own agenda. But honestly, that’s part of the magic. Because through all of that, these young performers never stopped. They pushed through, supported each other, and kept the story moving and that’s what real theatre is all about.

What makes this even more impressive is the age of these performers. Getting up on stage in front of a full audience, remembering lines, hitting marks, singing, dancing, and trying not to trip over a chimney sweep is no small task. And yet, they did it… twice… with two full casts.

And the best part? You could see the growth happening in real time. From nervous first entrances to fully locked-in performances by the end, from quiet voices finding strength to characters coming to life right in front of you. It’s the kind of thing you don’t just watch, you root for. That’s what makes community theatre special. It’s not just about putting on a show, it’s about building confidence, learning, growing, and occasionally discovering that yes, you actually can belt that note in front of a room full of people.

In the end, both casts didn’t just perform Mary Poppins, they captured it. A little magical, a little chaotic, and full of heart. And if you walked out of the theatre smiling, humming a song, and resisting the urge to break into “Step in Time” on the way to your car… then they did exactly what they set out to do. Bravo.