A Practically Perfect Lesson For Families

Last weekend, the curtain was raised on TCR's "Mary Poppins", and the reception was so practically perfect,  that the show has already been extended.  And while there is certainly plenty of jaw dropping magic on the stage, there's many take home lessons for parents and families alike, leaving this as entertaining as it is educational.

I gotta start by saying we dug out an old VHS of Mary Poppins to watch as prep for going to see the show, which was sort of a mistake.  It's like reading a book before seeing a movie.  It leaves you with so many expectations for certain things to happen, that never do.  However, in this case, the things that didn't happen didn't really matter as plenty of new experiences replaced them nicely, including a "villain" in the form of another nanny. And while I was disappointed that there was no visit to the crazy Uncle Albert's house with the "floating in mid-air" tea party, the special effects of "Stepping Time" made up for it. (Be sure to watch for that treat.)  All your favorite songs are in there too, with amazing choreography to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

But going back to the differences, I don't recall such a strong family message behind the movie, at least not as much as the one in the play.  And that's what makes this play so fantastic for families (other than watching the kids jaws drop in amazement as Mary pulls items out of her bag, flies up the chimney, or the aforementioned "Stepping Time" surprise).  This play had a strong focus on how parents fail their kids, and how easy and necessary it is to correct that.  In both the play and the movie, Mr. Banks is too entrenched in his work, and the need to be successful so his family is well supported, that he's forgotten what his family needs, which is simply his time.  While the movie does touch the topic as the overall theme, the play really drills it home.  In fact, you can almost say the play is more "Saving Mr. Banks" than "Mary Poppins".  There's even a scene where a talking statue explains how much he misses his father.

As a father, this message really hit home.  It's true, we try to support the family as best as possible, but all too often get caught up in the need for job success and best possible income.  And sometimes, this means our families suffer.  I know there's been too many days I get home way too late, and miss out on such precious quality time with the kids. The irony, it took the quality time of a family outing to the theatre to remind me of this.

So yes, 100% go see this show (and make sure the kids enjoy their "spoonful of sugar").  It's entertaining not just for the kids, but for the adults. And it makes you think and reflect.  To me, anytime art imitates life and gives us insight, it's always an added bonus.