Executive Overview
New Hampshire’s historic Seacoast region is preparing for a touch of theatrical magic this winter. Residents who happen to glance toward the skies above Portsmouth and spot a figure descending with an iconic umbrella need not be alarmed. Instead, they are simply witnessing the arrival of "practically perfect" nanny Mary Poppins, who is flying in for a strictly limited holiday engagement.
In a major coup for regional theater, the renowned Ogunquit Playhouse has joined forces with Portsmouth’s historic Music Hall to present a high-profile, professional staging of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s blockbuster musical Mary Poppins. Performances are scheduled to run from December 2 through December 20, bringing world-class Broadway talent directly to the Granite State.
Leading this ambitious holiday production are two of New York’s most celebrated stage stars. Talia Suskauer, widely recognized for her tour-de-force performances in Broadway’s Wicked, will step into the high-flying titular role of the magical nanny. Opposite her as the lovable, tap-dancing jack-of-all-trades Bert is Tony Award nominee A.J. Shively, celebrated for his standout work in Paradise Square and Bright Star.
Helmed by acclaimed director Shaun Kerrison, this collaborative production promises to combine the nostalgia of P.L. Travers’ timeless literary stories and Walt Disney’s beloved 1964 film with fresh theatrical artistry. Backed by an exceptional creative team and an unforgettable score featuring timeless classics alongside fresh musical additions, this winter engagement stands out as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the New England holiday season.
Detailed Chronology and Production Timeline
The journey bringing Mary Poppins to Portsmouth has been meticulously planned by two cultural powerhouses: Maine’s Ogunquit Playhouse and New Hampshire’s The Music Hall. As previously announced by producing executives, the limited holiday run will take over The Music Hall’s historic stage for just under three weeks this December.
The Creative Pipeline
Pre-production and casting for this regional blockbuster have been underway for months, managed by the prestigious casting agency ARC. Director Shaun Kerrison leads a visionary creative team tasked with adapting the massive spectacle of the international stage hit into an intimate yet grand holiday experience for Seacoast audiences.
The rehearsal process is slated to begin in late autumn, culminating in a rigorous technical residency leading up to the December 2 curtain. With a compressed run of only 18 days, ticket demand has already surged, reflecting the unique nature of having Broadway-caliber productions mounted locally during the peak holiday tourism period.
Behind the Creative Wheel
Bringing the world of 17 Cherry Tree Lane to life requires a masterclass in theatrical design and coordination. The upcoming production boasts a top-tier creative roster:
- Direction: Shaun Kerrison
- Choreography: Jeffry Denman
- Music Direction: Jeffrey Campos
- Scenic Elements: David Arsenault (Additional Scenic Design)
- Lighting Design: Richard Latta
- Costume Design: Colleen Grady
- Costume Coordination: Brian Simons
- Sound Design: Mike Tracey
- Wig, Hair, and Make-up Design: Roxanne De Luna
- Casting: ARC
Each of these departments plays a vital role in transforming the stage. From the intricate choreography of "Step in Time" requiring precise physical synchronization to the complex sound and lighting designs necessary to create theatrical illusions—such as Mary Poppins’ signature flights—the production relies on seamless cross-collaboration.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Legacy of Mary Poppins
To fully appreciate the significance of the upcoming New Hampshire staging, one must examine the sprawling cultural and financial footprint of Mary Poppins as a theatrical property.
From Page to Screen to Stage
The genesis of the phenomenon dates back to P.L. Travers’ beloved children’s book series, published between 1934 and 1988. Travers’ sharply witty, unapologetically stern, yet deeply magical nanny captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. However, it was the 1964 Walt Disney musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke that cemented the character in global pop culture, winning five Academy Awards and introducing an iconic songbook penned by the legendary Sherman brothers—Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman.
The transition from screen to stage was spearheaded by theatrical impresario Cameron Mackintosh. Collaborating with Walt Disney Theatricals, Mackintosh brought the stage adaptation to London’s West End, where it officially opened in December 2004 at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Key Theatrical Metrics and Milestones
- West End Run: The original West End production played for over 1,250 performances, capturing two prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards and an Evening Standard Award.
- Broadway Run: Following its London success, the show transferred to Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, opening in November 2006. It ran for more than six years, closing in January 2013 after logging 2,613 regular performances and 26 previews.
- Global Reach: Productions of Mary Poppins have since been mounted in dozens of countries, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide and entertaining tens of millions of theatergoers.
- The Creative Blueprint: The stage musical was co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, featuring a book by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. While retaining the beloved Sherman brothers’ film tunes—such as "Jolly Holiday," "Step in Time," "Feed the Birds," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"—the stage version also integrates new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The Star Power: Talia Suskauer and A.J. Shively
Securing talent of Talia Suskauer and A.J. Shively’s caliber elevates the Ogunquit-Music Hall collaboration from a standard regional mounting to an unmissable event for musical theater aficionados.
- Talia Suskauer: Suskauer is best known for her triumphant, critically acclaimed run playing Elphaba in the national tour and on Broadway in Wicked. Her dynamic vocal range and commanding stage presence make her uniquely qualified to step into the disciplined, mysterious, and ultimately warmhearted shoes of Mary Poppins. Her impressive theatrical resume also features credits in A Walk on the Moon and the Broadway musical Be More Chill.
- A.J. Shively: Stepping in as the charismatic chimney sweep Bert is Tony Award nominee A.J. Shively. Shively earned critical acclaim and a Tony nod for his performance in Broadway’s Paradise Square. His extensive credits also include memorable turns in Bright Star, La Cage aux Folles, and numerous Off-Broadway and regional productions. Known for his impeccable comedic timing, rich vocals, and extraordinary dancing ability, Shively’s Bert is expected to anchor the emotional and physical core of the production.
Official Statements and Industry Perspective
The partnership between the Ogunquit Playhouse and The Music Hall represents a growing trend in regional theater: pooling financial, artistic, and logistical resources to mount large-scale productions that rival major commercial tours.
While specific official statements regarding the casting rollout continue to generate localized press releases, theater executives have long championed this cross-state alliance. By combining the Ogunquit Playhouse’s legendary reputation for building lavish, large-scale musicals with The Music Hall’s historic, intimate proscenium space in downtown Portsmouth, the two institutions have carved out a premier destination for theater lovers across northern New England.
Director Shaun Kerrison has emphasized in past discussions regarding his approach to classic properties the importance of honoring original source material while injecting fresh, contemporary theatricality. By casting performers who possess both exceptional technical skill and deep emotional accessibility, Kerrison aims to strip away the overly saccharine elements sometimes associated with the property, revealing the poignant family drama at its heart.
The inclusion of Julian Fellowes’ book ensures that the domestic struggles of the dysfunctional Banks family—specifically the emotional distance between overworked banker George Banks and his children—remain at the forefront, balancing the whimsical magic of the magical nanny with grounded human stakes.
Future Outlook: A Landmark Holiday Season for New England Theater
As the winter season approaches, all eyes in the regional arts community are fixed on Portsmouth. The limited three-week run of Mary Poppins at The Music Hall is more than just a holiday entertainment option; it serves as a vital economic and cultural catalyst for the region.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Holiday tourism is a significant economic driver for downtown Portsmouth, featuring local restaurants, hotels, and retail shops that routinely benefit from theater-goers traveling from across New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. Productions of this magnitude require substantial logistical support and draw audiences who contribute heavily to the local hospitality sector during a traditionally slower shoulder season.
Furthermore, casting heavyweights like Suskauer and Shively signals to the broader theatrical community that regional houses in northern New England can successfully attract top-tier Broadway talent. This trend encourages a higher caliber of national artists to look beyond traditional metropolitan hubs like New York, Boston, and Chicago, enriching local cultural ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
With additional casting announcements expected in the coming weeks, anticipation for the December 2–20 engagement is reaching a fever pitch. Theater fans eager to secure seats for what is shaping up to be the theatrical event of the New England winter are encouraged to visit official ticketing portals.
For those looking to catch a glimpse of a woman descending from the Portsmouth sky with an umbrella, or simply seeking an evening of soaring vocals, stunning choreography, and timeless storytelling, the message is clear: book your tickets early, remember to "Spit-Spot," and prepare to experience a truly "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" holiday season.
To purchase tickets and learn more about the upcoming production, visit The Music Hall’s Official Website.
