A Whimsical and Heartfelt Family Musical Comes To Aventura

The musical, designed for smaller casts and shorter runtimes, introduces audiences to the extraordinary nanny, Mary Poppins, who arrives in the lives of the Banks family to restore order, teach life lessons, and spread a little bit of magic. With a score filled with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a few surprises along the way, Mary Poppins Jr. proves that the power of imagination and kindness can work wonders.

The story centers around the Banks family, living in London at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Jane and Michael Banks, two children in need of guidance, find themselves caught between their strict father, George, and their overly permissive mother, Winifred. Despite their best intentions, the parents are struggling to keep their family united. Enter Mary Poppins, the practically perfect nanny who arrives on the scene with a mysterious air and a magical carpetbag full of surprises.

Mary Poppins quickly takes charge, using her whimsical powers to lead the children through enchanting adventures. Along the way, she teaches them valuable lessons about life, happiness, and the importance of family. Not only do the children learn and grow, but Mary also helps their parents understand the true meaning of love and connection. In the end, the whole family is transformed, thanks to Mary’s blend of fun and wisdom.

One of the standout features of Mary Poppins Jr. is its infectious music, composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman for the original 1964 film and later adapted for the stage. Songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” take on new life in the junior production, which retains much of the original’s charm while making it more accessible for younger performers and audiences.

The melodies are instantly recognizable, but it's the energetic choreography and whimsical staging that truly bring the music to life. Whether it’s Mary Poppins flying with an umbrella or the characters embarking on a colorful chimney-sweep dance, the show is as much a visual feast as an auditory one.

The songs, however, are not just for show—each number carries an important message. “A Spoonful of Sugar,” for instance, reminds the audience that life can be sweeter when you approach challenges with a positive attitude, while “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” encourages children to embrace creativity and wonder.

A Family-Friendly Production

While Mary Poppins Jr. is aimed at younger audiences, it’s far from just a children's show. The production is packed with moments of heart, humor, and even a little nostalgia that adults will appreciate. The show offers a perfect balance of entertainment for families, encouraging younger viewers to embrace their imaginations and reminding older ones of the timeless lessons of kindness and joy.

The junior version of the musical is also a wonderful opportunity for aspiring young actors to showcase their talents. With roles ranging from the charmingly mischievous Jane and Michael Banks to the lovable yet eccentric Bert, the show offers a wealth of opportunities for young performers to shine.

Behind the Scenes

In terms of direction and design, Mary Poppins Jr. offers a stripped-back yet visually captivating experience. The set and costumes, while simpler than their Broadway counterparts, retain a magical quality that supports the whimsical nature of the story. The use of props, like Mary’s iconic umbrella and her carpetbag, adds an extra layer of fun to the show, while clever lighting and sound design help bring the magic to life.

Whether you're attending as a first-time theatergoer or revisiting this beloved classic, Mary Poppins Jr. offers something for everyone—a truly magical experience that will leave you humming its tunes long after the curtain falls.

Tickets for Mary Poppins Jr. are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages.