Chatting about Mary Poppins


Daniel will play Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins on Broadway, starting on October 14th. Just a few days before the first preview, he talked about the show and his role.

1. Dan, the first preview is less than a week away, how are you doing? How is the rehearsal coming along?

We're all doing really well. The show is in great shape and everyone is very excited to put it in front of an audience. We've had a week of 10 out of 12 tech days, and we're heading into another full week, but we were graciously given two whole days off and should be refreshed and ready for tomorrow!

2. As Mary Poppins (stage version) has been such a huge hit in London, do you feel any pressure as a Broadway cast? Is there any difference between the West End and Broadway productions? Gavin Lee from the original London cast joined the Broadway company, how is it to perform with a real Brit?

Gavin is a blast. Funny, sweet and deeply gifted. He is going to be a sensation, I think. Maybe some people are feeling pressure, but most of us aren't.

Richard Eyre and Matthew Bourne and the entire creative team has done a really great job of not just trying to "re-mount" the show, but to start at square one with everyone. They've been great about trying new ideas and attempting to make it better.

There are a few very noticeable differences (new set pieces, re-writes) but there will be lots of subtle differences, too, in the staging and interpretation.

3. When the show opened on West End, some people who were familiar with the movie thought the show was a bit darker and focused more on the Banks family than on Mary. How would you respond to such feedback? Do you have any special memory about the movie and/or the books? Do you have any concern of living up to the movie since people will have those expectations?

I do think the movie was more of an American phenomenon than a British one. In England it was the book series that was deeply cherished. I do think it will be an adjustment for people to look at the stage version and see that it is not just the movie on stage.

However, I also think this is a more story driven piece, which makes it much stronger theatrically. There is a focus on the Banks family, but that's not all - it is very even-handed in my opinion, and you never lose interest. Quite a feat for a show this ambitious!

4. Could you tell us about the audition process? What did you sing, did you read any sides? Did you do any special preparation for the audition?

The audition was really unusual in that it was so far ahead of the rehearsal dates. All of the creatives being in London meant that they had to schedule things far in advance.

After a initial reading, I was called back a couple of months later, then a few months after that I was called in again for two more call-backs. I was asked to sing from the show and prepare scenes and speeches from the show, as well - about 30-35 pages of material. As nerve-wracking as auditions for musical theatre can be (aaagh!), these ended up being pretty fun.

I did look at the movie and the books, but really, I just worked hard on the material and tried to take any adjustments the director gave.

What did you sing at the audition? Did you pair up with another actresses?

I sang from "Precision and Order" and also the little bit in the Bank at the end. I did indeed pair up with people at the final call-back, including the wonderful Rebecca Luker, who plays my wife.

5. Let's talk about your role: Mr. Banks. Some people say, although this story is based on Mary Poppins, the underlying story is actually about Mr. Banks' journey of his self discovery. Do you feel that way too?

Well, the part of the show I'm responsible for is certainly about a journey of self discovery, but there is a great deal more going on. Mary herself is a real witch-like presence. There is this whole spiritual side to the P.L. Travers books and they have definitely tried to incorporate that into the piece. Her relationship with Bert is just heart-breaking.

Also, of course, there is the journey of the children and their search for fulfillment.

Mr. Banks is just a little stuck. He wants very much to "measure up" in society's eyes and has lost his way as a result. He doesn't have a handle on what's important anymore and is lucky enough to get the opportunity to be reminded.

6. I assume you have both similarities and differences with Mr. Banks. For example, you have two children like Mr. Banks does, but I don't think you had a governor like Mrs. Andrews (LOL). Could you tell us how you are similar and/or different from Mr. Banks? How did you develop the character?

My children do indeed play a large role in my preparation for this character. I think about them so much at work - how blessed I am to have them in my life. I hope and believe that I'm on the other side of George's dilemma, but I'm certainly on guard more as a result.

He is basically a sin of negligence, and there are few parents out there who can say they haven't been guilty of that once or twice. It is remarkable how close these issues are to me - and I hope to modern audiences. We're all sobbing our way through rehearsals.... pretty funny for a show with Supercalifragilisticexpialidotious in it, huh?

My work has basically been about staying honest, getting specific and doing research - reading books, watching documentaries, etc. The Poppins books are great, by the way, if anyone is interested.

You mean George's dilemma as "not measured up" with expectations?? Could you explain?

I guess I'm talking about the parental neglect stuff - paying attention to and valuing time with my children as opposed to burying myself in achievement and "success".

Which documentaries are you referring to? Also, in addition to the original Mary Poppins books, did you read anything else?

I saw a very cool doc called "Electric Edwardians" that had lots of great footage of everyday life, watched a doc about P.L. Travers, and pretty much watched a bunch of English TV and movies - Faulty Towers, Howard's End, Winslow Boy... that kind of stuff. I read a very funny book called "Diary of a Nobody" about a stuffy Babbitt-like English man. And of course, all of the Travers books.

7. What is your favorite scene(s) and numbers? What is a challenging scene/number for you?

I love watching Jolly Holiday. It just makes me smile so much! The Supercal number at the end is very challenging - just remembering what move comes next... aaagh!

8. Do you have any messages to your fans?

I do hope that folks come to see the show. I'm very honored to be a part of it. And once again, I am deeply flattered that anyone would read this far.... I am very touched by the response to this site and to the work I have been lucky enough to get. I wish you all success in whatever bliss you pursue!
Peace,
Daniel Jenkins






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