Mary Poppins may be grounded, but music still wings it

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. If you can say it quickly without tripping on your tongue, that’s a tip-off you’re a Mary Poppins fan.

So get set for another run of Cantilon Choirs’ firm, but chipper nanny’s hearty dose of A Spoon Full of Sugar coming to the Arden Theatre on Feb. 21 and 22.

In this concert version of the heartwarming story about the troubled Banks family and The Perfect Nanny, we travel to Cherry Tree Lane for a delightful measure of turn of the century magic.

“It has beautiful music and excellent and familiar characters. The story is all about bringing a family together and we hope people coming to see it make family a priority and make it a family event,” says Cantilon stage director Victoria Biel.

The two older choirs, Belle Canto and Cantilon Chamber Choir, started singing musicals two years ago with Oliver (2013) and Les Miz (2014) as choral presentations.

This season, founder Heather Johnston has expanded the format with theatrical elements including period costumes and a small-scale set.

“This time we’re doing much more of the musical numbers and more lines. We’re telling more of the story, but we’ve still shrunk the play from its original size to one hour and 10 minutes.”

Biel has cast three St. Albert singers in major roles. Claire Daly has landed the prize role of Mary Poppins.

“Claire has a beautiful soprano voice that suits Mary Poppins to a tee and she has very exciting stage presence. Claire has wonderful facial expressions and bright expressive eyes.”

Taking on the concerned motherly role of Mrs. Banks is Annika Hanson.

“Annika has the perfect look and she has a lovely alto voice. And her manner is very gentle in the way she deals with the children and Mr. Banks.”

Hanson’s younger sister Lauren has nabbed the part of Jane, the young daughter.

“Lauren is the cutest thing on stage. She has that British accent down pat, and she makes you want to run up on stage and give her a hug. And she’s smart as a whip.”

One of the traditional musical’s brightest moments is Mary’s flight across the stage. Unfortunately, the only thing that will be airborne is Bert’s singing bravado in Let’s Go Fly a Kite.

“Unfortunately Mary does not fly. She’s very grounded. It’s just her voice that takes flight and soars.”

The musical features 18 songs and 10 dance numbers where Anything Can Happen.

“The more I read the script, the more I realized how much it is about spending quality time with family and showing each other how much you love each other. So come. Bring the family and take part in the sing-along on the Sunday show.”