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Lyric Opera of Chicago’s film‑with‑live‑orchestra series has become one of the city’s most engaging hybrid arts experiences, transforming the opera house into a cinematic concert hall where classic films gain new dimension through live performance. Recent presentations such as Singin’ in the Rain (February 2025) and Coco in Concert (October 2025) have showcased how a full orchestra can elevate familiar scores, bringing warmth, clarity, and emotional immediacy to every musical moment. The format takes full advantage of Lyric’s grand acoustics and visual scale, allowing audiences to rediscover beloved movies with a heightened sense of drama and immersion. It’s a rare blend of nostalgia and spectacle - a celebration of film and music that feels both timeless and newly invigorated each time the orchestra begins to play. Now, the series continues its momentum as Anthony Parthner leads The Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra in performing the cherished score to Mary Poppins.

Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins.

Released in 1964 and starring a dream duo of Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins follows the magical arrival of an extraordinary nanny who descends - quite literally - into the lives of the Banks family on Cherry Tree Lane. As the children, Jane and Michael struggle under the strict expectations of their distracted father and the anxieties of their well‑meaning mother, Mary Poppins brings order, wonder, and unexpected joy through a blend of firm guidance and whimsical adventure. With the help of her cheerful friend Bert (the loveable chimney sweep), she leads the family through imaginative escapades that reveal deeper lessons about connection, kindness, and the importance of seeing the world with curiosity. By the time she departs, the Banks household has been transformed, not by magic alone, but by the rediscovery of affection and unity.

This film is an ideal showcase for the Lyric Orchestra, and they rise to it beautifully. The score for Mary Poppins was composed by the celebrated songwriting team Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, whose work helped define the sound of Disney’s mid‑century musical era. Known as the Sherman Brothers, they created a bright, whimsical, and emotionally rich collection of songs that blend clever lyricism with instantly memorable melodies. Their contributions to the 1964 film produced some of Disney’s most enduring musical moments - from the exuberant “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to the gentle poignancy of “Feed the Birds” - shaping a sonic identity that remains inseparable from the film’s legacy. Their score not only set the tone for Mary Poppins but also solidified the Shermans as two of the most influential composers in the Disney canon.

Conductor Anthony Parnther.

Lyric Opera of Chicago was especially thrilled to welcome Anthony Parnther to the podium, a conductor whose versatility and musical sensitivity made him an inspired choice for a score as iconic as Mary Poppins. One of the busiest conductors in Los Angeles and a world‑class bassoonist with an international performance career, Parnther brought both technical precision and a keen ear for orchestral color - qualities that served him well in shaping a live performance of this beloved film soundtrack. Watching him work was a genuine pleasure. His approach emphasized clarity and warmth, guiding the orchestra in a way that honored the Sherman Brothers’ classic melodies while subtly enhancing the film’s emotional contours in real time. For Lyric, his leadership reflected not only artistic excellence but a continued commitment to presenting musicians who could seamlessly bridge concert performance with cinematic storytelling.

With the success of its recent live‑to‑film presentations, Lyric’s film‑with‑live‑orchestra series continues to build steady momentum, and the company is already preparing for its next project: a live orchestral performance of Amadeus in 2027. Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film is presented in a limited engagement on April 10 and 11. Click here for more information.

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Drury Lane Theatre has put together perhaps the most visually stunning and vocally finessed production of ‘Mary Poppins’ one could possibly see.  An imaginative, ever-changing bright and colorful set with loads of special effects surrounds a most remarkable cast, highlighted by Emilie Lynn who wows theatre goers as Mary Poppins.     

Now, fifty-five years after the release of the classic Disney film starring Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews, comes this new heartwarming and spectacular production of ‘Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins’ directed and choreographed beautifully by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.

A family is in trouble, the children are spoiled and bored and as troublesome as can be. Their mother, Winifred Banks (Alexis J Roston), is neglected and feels unappreciated. Winifred’s husband George (Matt Crowle) is cold and overworked and pays little mind to his wife and two children. Completely consumed by his work, life at the bank has been stressful for Mr. Banks. They could use a little help. They need a nanny – a new nanny. They have had many before, but none have ever been effective.  

The children, George (Hunter Dimailig or Sebastian Merlo) and Jane (Grier Burke or Nicole Scimeca), write a list of the qualities they’d like in their new nanny. Nothing too outrageous, they ask that she be kind, care about them, give them candy and be rosy cheeked and pretty to look at. Mr. Banks does not take his children seriously and destroys their little help wanted ad. However, not long after, Mary Poppins appears quite magically at their door ready for work – with the handwritten ad. She is stern and no-nonsense but is kind and good-hearted. 

She quickly wins over the children – and audience - with the charming number “Practically Perfect (I Am Perfect in Every Way!)”. From there the story is one fantastic adventure and life lesson after another as Mary Poppins works to get the household in ship shape despite dealing with a cranky Mr. Banks, a frazzled housekeeper and clumsy, but loveable butler who just wants to help. 

We really see who Mary is when she and the children run across Bert (James T. Lane), a friendly artist who sells paintings in the park. He knows who Mary is and is aware of the magic she brings.

Mary Poppins has true supernatural abilities that she uses to convert the children. A game she plays called “walk in the park” shows them the wonder of simple things from being out in nature. The simple, yet joyfully enchanted “walk in the park” also introduces the children to the concepts of accepting others of lower social standing like the chimney sweeps, and the poor old lady who finds joy in feeding the birds from a park bench.

In time, maybe Mary can bring out the child in Mr. Banks once again.

Emilie Lynn is splendid as Mary Poppins. She has the poise and rosy-cheeked prettiness to carry the role in itself, but it is Lynn’s sensational voice that really gives Drury its perfect Mary Poppins. Charming and graceful, as well, Lynn epitomizes the characteristics one would expect to see as Mary Poppins. She even channels Julie Andrews with her vocal prowess. At the same time, Bert is well cast with James T. Lane a true delight to watch. Lane’s singing and dancing are impressive, but it’s his energy and sense of kindness felt throughout the theatre that really gives us our Bert. Together, Lynn and Lane are unstoppable. 

This delightful musical has so many star performances that cannot be overlooked. To name a few, Matt Crowle brilliantly captures the essence of Mr. Banks to precision while Alexis J Roston is the ideal counterpart to Crowle as Mrs. Banks, both delivering vocally and adding a nice comedic touch when asked upon. Joe Capstick gets to show off his ability to take on a humorous role as the Park Keeper as does Sawyer Smith as Robertson Ay, the house staffer.

But not only are we treated to an extremely talented leading cast and ensemble that amazes from one scene and song/dance number from beginning to end, the set itself is a spectacular sight and the special effects are many and will fascinate adults as much as they will children.Filled with many classic hits that include “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Step in Time,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”, this production does not stop entertaining from the word “Go”.        

‘Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins’ is being performed at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook through January 19th, 2020.

For tickets and/or more show information visit www.drurylanetheatre.com.