About the work
The musical "Mary Poppins," produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, is based on P. L. Travers' children's books and the 1964 Disney film, with a book by Julian Fellowes. The film's songs by the Sherman Brothers were supplemented with new numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The show had its world premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome from 15 September 2004, before transferring to London's Prince Edward Theatre in December 2004.
Plot
In Edwardian London, the Banks family hires the strict yet magical nanny Mary Poppins. Armed with her umbrella and carpet bag, she leads the children Jane and Michael through fantastical adventures while, along the way, teaching their overwhelmed parents to see one another again.
Cultural significance
The original London production won two Olivier Awards in 2005, including Best Actress in a Musical for Laura Michelle Kelly, and ran until 2008. The Broadway production opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2006 and, with 2,619 performances through 2013, became one of the longest-running West End imports on Broadway.