Christian Community Theater’s ‘Mary Poppins’ is a spoonful of sugar

During the month of July, the CCT (Christian Community Theater) is lighting up the summit of Mt. Helix with its production of “Mary Poppins,” a continuation of the annual traditional shows performed on top of the mountain. This tradition dates back 35 years and is a beloved community event that draws in hundreds of patrons to the mountaintop every year.

During the month of July, the CCT (Christian Community Theater) is lighting up the summit of Mt. Helix with its production of “Mary Poppins,” a continuation of the annual traditional shows performed on top of the mountain. This tradition dates back 35 years and is a beloved community event that draws in hundreds of patrons to the mountaintop every year.

As the show was performed outdoors atop Mount Helix, the weather was chilly. The CCT, however, tried to counter this by selling blankets and hot coffee before the show as well as during the intermission. The temperatures did make the show a bit unpleasant to sit through, but what the venue lacked in warmth, the cast made up for with a show that was exciting and engaging for the audience.

The show featured a sophisticated set with three rotational pieces to allow the cast to move between four different sets quickly and easily. It also was built with Mary Poppins’ magic in mind as trap doors were strategically placed to allow for her to seemingly pull large objects out of nowhere. Other set enhancements included carousel horses that were drivable, as well as a flying model of Mary Poppins.

While the sets may have been one of this show’s main elements, the actors, however, were what really pulled the show together in the long run. Actors ranged from young to old with the role of Michael Banks, the youngest lead role in the play, being played by Mac Jarmin.

Jarmin’s performance as a whole, along with his singing and dancing abilities were impressively professional despite his age. Mary Poppins character, performed by Ally Lawton, was another superb performance. Lawton’s singing voice was very controlled and emulated Julie Andrew’s voice in a way that I have never seen done before.

Songs such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time” were audience favorites out the gate, but as whole the entire score was performed very well. The show featured a skilled cast of extras that danced and sang with the rest of the cast in the larger numbers. The dancing was incredibly well choreographed and performed, and the song “Step in Time” featured a rigorous tap dancing routine that was both impressive and exciting to watch. But songs like “Feed the Birds” as well as Bert’s many asides, gave the show a warmer and more personal feel.

Overall, the show was a pleasure to go see, and I would gladly go see it again. The cast’s stellar performances, coupled with the magic of the music and the complex sets, really set the show apart from any other musical or play that I have seen performed. Director Paul Russell did an incredible job leading his team in re-creating the beloved childhood classic. The show runs until Aug. 2 and tickets are selling out quickly, so be sure to purchase them while they are still available. For more information on performance dates, times and ticket sales visit www.cytsandiego.org.