April arrived with snow on the ground (so ready for Spring!) and The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati serving up their version of an iconic, childhood favorite, “Mary Poppins Jr.”  In a season that has hit all the right notes, this final show is a delightful trifecta of clever set, strong performances, and important life lessons served up with a spoonful of humor. TCT stays true to the story we all know and love, including fan favorite songs, but also introduces some new elements that make it uniquely their own. While the weather is still less than perfect outside, come “fly a kite” with Mary Poppins Jr. and you’ll walk away a little brighter and inspired.

Kayla Burress delivers a stellar performance as the magical nanny and Eric Byrd manages to transport the audience to the rooftops of London as Bert. Payton Hines and Benny Mitchell convincingly portray Jane and Michael Banks as they grow their imagination and navigate the expectations of family. Leveraging new characters in Mrs. Corry, Miss Andrew (the Holy Terror!) and Robertson Ay, the show brings to life new scenes that integrate the classic lessons from the original in clever and fun ways — Mrs. Corry’s Talk Shop is definitely a place I would like to visit for an “ounce of conversation!”

Without taking away from the experience and the surprises in store for the audience, here are a few of the ‘life lessons’ that our family took away from quotes and scenes. We are looking forward to hearing what you take away!

• “That’s its worth, not its value.” — Loved the push that value is bigger, more important and personal versus a societal definition of worth.
• “Sometimes families are upside down…for a little while.” — A good reminder that everyone experiences challenges and that things can and will change.
• “Are you looking for a good idea or a good man?” — Insightful question from the mouths of babes pushing us to truly look at issues from all angles.
• “Troubles are never so bad when you look at them from higher up.” — Changing our perspective on an issue almost always helps us find a solution.

Don’t miss TCT’s final show this season, “Mary Poppins Jr.,” showing April 13-15 at the Taft Theater. It will bring Spring just a little closer and remind you that “anything can happen, if you let it.” While this show brings the 2017-18 Children’s Theater of Cincinnati’s Mainstage Season to a close, the 2018-19 season looks to be a lot of fun with “Superman,” “Santa Claus: The Musical,” “The Jungle Book Kids,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Bring your kids out and enjoy a “spoonful of sugar!”

Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls 10 and under, best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on innovation insights and analytics. She enjoys and participates in art of all kinds, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning, pursues different forms of exercise when she can find the time to balance out her foodie predilection, and delights in spending time with family and friends.