Product Overview
Two veteran writers collaborate on this fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the journey that took the practically perfect nanny from the pages of P. L. Traverss beloved novels to the stage.
Well-known British writer and radio personality Brian Sibley tells Mary Poppinss story, from her obscure origins in Traverss Australian childhood and her progress through the series of books Travers began to write in 1934, to her incarnation by Julie Andrews in one of the most successful Disney films of all time, to her long-awaited landing onstage in Londons West End. A long-time friend of Travers and co-writer with her of an unproduced sequel to the film, Sibley offers unique insights into the idiosyncratic authors complex relationship to her heroine, and the decades-long series of proposals and negotiations that finally resulted in Disney Theatrical Productions joining forces with the Cameron Mackintosh Theatrical Group to realize Traverss stories as a spectacular work of musical theater. Sibleys details the entire development process of the shows script, music, choreography, and design, culminating in a glorious opening night on December 15, 2004 in Londons Prince Edwards Theatre, as Mary Poppins is met by cheering sold-out houses and critical raves. In the books second half,Michael Lassellgives a fascinating backstage account of the shows transfer to Broadway, including the shows American casting and important changes to its book, lyrics, and designs, as the creative team strives to plus Poppins to perfection.
