Mary Poppins Jr. (The Young Australian Broadway Chorus), at The Cripps Centre

The nanny with the lot, Mary Poppins, gets to weave her magic in 70 minutes and still make it count in this cut down version of the beloved musical.

It is based on the 1964 Disney film, which starred Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, and stories by PL Travers.

The book is by Julian Fellowes, music by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, with additional lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Photos by James Gillot

The Banks family is in trouble.

Workaholic banker dad, George, has no time for his children, Jane and Michael, and is largely dismissive of his dutiful wife, Winifred.

The kids are out of control and have, alarmingly, managed to work their way through six nannies over the past four months.

In an endeavour to solve the problem, they create an ad outlining what they are after and before you can say “hey, presto”, the no nonsense Mary Poppins appears.

At first, Jane and Michael are far from sold, but with a little help from chimney sweep Bert, when they realise what fun she can be, they change their tune.

That is notwithstanding a glitch along the way, when Mary leaves them to figure things out on their own.

Meanwhile, George, too, learns to lighten up after being faced with two hard calls on granting loans at work, which threaten his very future.

The Young Australian Broadway Chorus, a division of Stage School Australia, is best known for its musical theatre training programs for those aged eight to 18.

Each year, thousands of youngsters across the country participate in YABC musical theatre studies.

They attend weekly classes to develop skills in singing, dancing and acting.

These are later showcased in fully costumed and staged public performances.

This school holidays it is Mary Poppins Jr.

Having seen and been suitably impressed by the talent involved, I believe we just may have uncovered a few future musical theatre stars.

None is better than Darcy Smith as Bert, who introduces the storyline and appears to be naturally gifted. With an easy-going demeanour and timbre in his voice, he seems to deliver effortlessly, bringing authority, authenticity and fun to the role.

As Mary Poppins, Alyssa Jandayan, too, has delightful vocal tone and clarity. She could benefit by lighting up on her intensity because, at times, she can appear a bit too severe.

Two girls and two boys alternate as the Banks children. When I saw the show, it was Niah McAllan-D’Brass who played Jane. What beautiful musicality she has, while the confidence she brings to the part is inspiring.

Plaudits also to Louis De Luca for his noteworthy contribution as the little bit naughty Michael. He has a most encouraging “X” factor about him.

Perry Moon turns up the temperature as the all-work, no-play George Banks. The deliberate exaggeration he imposes on the critical role works particularly well.

Neave McGeehan is charming and delightful as George’s oh so tolerant wife, Winifred. And when she gets the chance to open her lungs, she produces.

There are also a couple of scene stealers that I must mention.

First up, Kat Dunshea is a revelation vocally, quite stunning at the bird woman, while Tayla Ely slays ‘em as George’s old battle-axe nanny, Miss Andrew.

All the principals perform with style, ably supported by a large and enthusiastic ensemble.

The big chorus numbers led by Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious go down a treat. Musical director Chelsea Plumley nails it.

The costuming is diverse – at times elegant and, on other occasions, colourful and creative.

I also appreciated the choreography, lighting and sound.

Director Robert Coates is to be applauded for giving us an altogether fine production of Mary Poppins Jr. at The Cripps Centre.