Residents of New Hampshire should prepare for a touch of Edwardian whimsy this holiday season, as the world’s most famous nanny is set to descend upon Portsmouth. The Music Hall, in collaboration with the renowned Ogunquit Playhouse, has officially announced a high-profile, limited-engagement production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s hit musical, Mary Poppins. Scheduled to run from December 2 through December 20, the production promises to infuse the local cultural calendar with the classic charm of P.L. Travers’ beloved literary creation and the enduring magic of the 1964 Walt Disney film.
A Stellar Cast Takes Flight
The production team has confirmed that the titular role of Mary Poppins will be portrayed by Talia Suskauer. A performer of significant Broadway pedigree, Suskauer is best known for her commanding turn as Elphaba in Wicked, as well as her work in A Walk on the Moon and Be More Chill. Her casting suggests a high-caliber vocal and dramatic interpretation of the character, balancing the stern, no-nonsense demeanor of the nanny with the ethereal grace required for her more magical moments.
Opposite Suskauer, the production features Tony nominee A.J. Shively in the role of Bert. Shively, whose recent credits include the Tony-nominated Paradise Square and the critically acclaimed Bright Star, brings a wealth of experience to the role of the chimney sweep and storyteller. The chemistry between a veteran Broadway lead and a versatile character actor like Shively is expected to be a cornerstone of this production’s appeal, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in genuine human connection. The direction of the piece is entrusted to Shaun Kerrison, whose leadership will oversee the integration of these performances with the intricate technical demands of the show.
A Legacy of Theatrical Innovation
The stage musical of Mary Poppins represents a unique collaboration in theater history. While the original stories were penned by P.L. Travers, the stage version was developed by producer Cameron Mackintosh and features a book by Julian Fellowes, the Oscar-winning screenwriter and mastermind behind Downton Abbey. This combination of classic source material and modern narrative structure has been a hallmark of the show’s longevity.
The musical score is equally storied. It retains the quintessential songs composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, such as "Jolly Holiday," "Step in Time," "Feed the Birds," and the linguistic marvel "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." To expand the narrative for the stage, the Olivier Award-winning duo of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe contributed new music and lyrics, ensuring that the production feels both nostalgic for film fans and fresh for theatergoers.
The Production Timeline and Technical Execution
The stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has maintained a consistent presence in the global theatrical landscape since its world premiere. The show originally opened in London’s West End in December 2004, where it enjoyed a robust run of over 1,250 performances. Its subsequent transfer to Broadway solidified its status as a commercial juggernaut, playing for over six years and earning numerous accolades, including two Olivier Awards and an Evening Standard Award.
For the Portsmouth production, the technical requirements are substantial. The Music Hall’s stage will be transformed by a creative team tasked with recreating the iconic, gravity-defying moments that define the show. Choreography is led by Jeffry Denman, with musical direction by Jeffrey Campos. The visual and auditory world of the production is being crafted by an extensive design team: David Arsenault (scenic elements), Richard Latta (lighting), Colleen Grady (costumes), Brian Simons (costume coordination), Mike Tracey (sound), and Roxanne De Luna (wig, hair, and make-up). The casting process was managed by ARC, ensuring that the ensemble reflects the high standard set by the leads.
Analysis of the Ogunquit Playhouse and The Music Hall Partnership
The partnership between the Ogunquit Playhouse and The Music Hall is a strategic alignment that significantly boosts the regional arts economy. The Ogunquit Playhouse, known for its high-production-value musical theater, brings a level of professional polish that elevates the offerings at The Music Hall. For Portsmouth, hosting a production of this scale is a major draw, attracting audiences from across the New England region.
The timing of the run—early to late December—is no coincidence. Holiday-themed programming is a staple of regional theater budgets, providing a reliable revenue stream that supports the remainder of the year’s artistic programming. By choosing a title with universal, multi-generational appeal, the presenters are targeting families, theater enthusiasts, and tourists alike. This strategy is essential for maintaining the financial viability of arts organizations in smaller urban centers.
The Broader Impact on Regional Theater
The decision to stage a large-scale musical like Mary Poppins highlights the resilience of the live performance sector in the post-pandemic era. Despite the shifting habits of audiences, there remains a persistent demand for "event theater"—productions that offer spectacle, high-quality production values, and a sense of shared community experience.
From an economic perspective, such productions act as catalysts for local businesses. Patrons attending a three-hour musical at The Music Hall are likely to frequent nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments in downtown Portsmouth. The influx of visitors during the three-week run provides a measurable boost to the local hospitality sector, illustrating the vital link between the arts and regional economic development.
Furthermore, the involvement of high-profile Broadway talent in regional productions serves as a bridge between the commercial hubs of New York City and the regional theater circuits. It allows artists to explore roles in a collaborative, localized setting while providing audiences with performances that match the quality of national tours or Broadway residencies.
Looking Forward
As the December 2 opening date approaches, anticipation is building. The production team has indicated that further casting announcements will be made in the coming weeks, which will likely flesh out the ensemble and the roles of the Banks family members. These roles—Mr. and Mrs. Banks, and the children, Jane and Michael—are critical to the emotional arc of the show, and their casting will be the final piece of the puzzle for what promises to be a centerpiece event for the winter season.
For those planning to attend, The Music Hall has encouraged early booking. Given the show’s historical popularity and the limited window of performances, it is expected that tickets will move quickly. Prospective attendees are encouraged to visit TheMusicHall.org to secure their seats and monitor updates regarding the production.
Ultimately, this iteration of Mary Poppins is more than just a trip down memory lane. It is a sophisticated, well-resourced production that highlights the capacity for regional venues to host top-tier talent and complex, large-scale narratives. Whether it is the spectacle of the chimney sweeps dancing across the stage or the emotional resonance of a classic song, the upcoming production is positioned to be a landmark event for Portsmouth’s cultural community, proving once again that a little bit of theatrical magic is always welcome, particularly in the depths of a New Hampshire winter.
