The Disinsider
Bette Midler “Kvelles” Over New Mary Poppins Movie
By Skyler Shuler
Sept. 29, 2018
We are just under 3 months away from the release of Walt Disney Pictures Mary Poppins Returns. The film had a private screening held by director Rob Marshall with producers John DeLuca and Marc Platt. Also in attendance were Hello, Dolly! stars Bette Midler, Donna Murphy, and Victor Garber, plus Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski and Andrea Martin.
The Hocus Pocus star had this to say following the screening.
I didn’t know they could make ’em like that anymore!
Midler also took to Twitter praising the films cast and crew.
According to those in attendance the film received a five minute standing ovation, as well as applause following ever musical sequence.
The sequel to Walt Disney’s 1964 musical classic sees Emily Blunt (Into the Woods, A Quiet Place) portray the magical nanny, who reunites with Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) in 1930s London.
Blunt succeeds actress Julie Andrews, whose portrayal won her the Best Actress Oscar. And is joined by Lin-Manuel Miranda, star of Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton, whose Jack is a lamplighter and apprentice to Dick Van Dyke’s Bert.
The film also stars Academy Award winners Meryl Streep (Topsy) and Colin Firth (William Weatherall Wilkins) and Academy Award nominees Julie Walters (Ellen), Angela Lansbury (Balloon Lady), along with newcomers Pixie Davies and newcomer Joel Dawson join as Anabel and Georgie Banks, the newest wide-eyed children to experience a magical adventure with the umbrella-flying Mary Poppins.
Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into the Woods) directs from a script penned by two-time Academy Award nominee David Magee (Finding Neverland, Life of Pi).
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
