Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: A Review and Backstage Tour of ‘Mary Poppins’ [Video]

"Mary Poppins" is at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre through Dec. 14.

Read our review and watch an exclusive backstage tour as Grand Rapids Civic Theatre reveals the backstage secrets of "Mary Poppins".

I went to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's "Mary Poppins" with my 8-year-old on opening weekend, Sunday, Nov. 16. The show was sold out and ran for two hours and 15 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.

GRCT's "Mary Poppins" features all of the songs that everyone loves from the movie, plus some new songs and plot twists.

There were solid performances all around including a standout performance from Abbie Westers as "Jane Banks".

The show hits its peak during a few high-energy numbers which bring together a large ensemble. Highlights include "Jolly Holiday," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Step In Time".

My 8-year-old reviewed the show, too.

Some highlights from her review:

I think it was cool that the gray statues look real. ... I like the way the actors are funny. ... I like that it added extra stuff to make it better and longer. ... The set is cool because they make it look real. ... I recommend you see the play. I give it five out of five stars.

The set and the special effects are definitely highlights of the show. We were fortunate to get a backstage tour from Assistant Stage Manager Mary McHugh after the show.

Mary revealed many of the secrets of the show, but made us promise to only share a couple of them. Sorry.

Watch our exclusive video, then check out the show to see how the amazing production staff at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre works those tricks into the show without a hitch.