Mary Poppins came down the Banks family chimney four times, as the Puppet Theatre in Tirana staged four performances of the beloved musical.

First, the absolute premiere won long applause from children and the parents who accompanied them. The flying umbrella, the magic bag, the sweet voice of Venera Lumani, and the natural acting of the two young leads filled the hall with a fairy-tale atmosphere and sparked imagination.

Just like on Broadway, Mary arrived with charm and magic at the Puppet Theatre. She brought joy, but also order and gentle lessons. Mishel Kadeli and Luana Thomai, two children from the National Children’s Culture Center, played Michael and Jane Banks. Together with their special nanny, they had fun and learned the magic words one by one.

As the children’s room changed and became neat and beautiful when Mary’s mission ended, their lives also took a new direction. Along with Michael and Jane, young spectators learned how important it is to say “please” and “thank you.”

Moreover, the show stood out for the collaboration between the Puppet Theatre and the National Children’s Culture Center. In addition to Mishel and Luana, ten young dancers joined the performance. They accompanied Mary in several of the show’s eight musical numbers. As a result, the presence of young performers drew children in the audience even deeper into Mary’s story.

Finally, “Mary Poppins” closed the year as one of the most anticipated musicals, directed by Endri Çela. Public interest was high, as shown by the long lines at the theatre’s ticket office.

Mary Poppins will return to the stage next weekend, on December 27 and 28.

/a.c/