Considering the limitations of presenting a stage version of Mary Poppins in the smallish New Amsterdam Theater, there is no question a magnificent job was done by all involved in the production of this charming, entertaining two hour and forty-minute show!
It is essential you enter the theater with the understanding you will not be watching Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, etc., and musn't try to compare the stage version to the film. Once you have done that, the rest is SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS.
The young children in the audience were enchanted and squealed with delight at the same moments our children did years earlier. My wife and I attended with our two sons (now 20 and 21) to celebrate our 28th anniversary, hoping for an enjoyable family experience. We were not disappointed!
The additional dialogue, songs and plot adjustments from the film did not take away from the enjoyment of the show. On the contrary, it was done seamlessly and in tip-top fashion.
The length of the show may test the patience of the younger children (one family had to leave at intermission), but overall this is a fantastic family event that will please all, young and old!!!