The musical Mary Poppins, which is based on the beloved Disney movie and P.L. Travers' novels, is getting a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious production at Theatre Under The Stars now through December 24.
To ensure your outing to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is the best jolly holiday it can be, here are three different itineraries as mapped out by TUTS experts.
Bring the whole family
As director Julie Kramer and choreographer Jessica Hartman have previously said, this is the ideal show to introduce children to the theater. Stage magic, flying, fun song and dance, and lessons in compassion and connection make Mary Poppins a terrific family show, especially during the holidays.
Photo by John Burrows
Susan Koozin as The Bird Woman and Olivia Hernandez as Mary Poppins.
"I fell in love with TUTS as a kid, so I'm really excited to get to share that with my six-year-old son and watch him be a part of that magic," says Bridget Morgan, TUTS associate director of marketing and communications.
Her plans include arriving early so that they can dine at the nearby — and family-friendly — Hopdoddy Burger Bar in the Heights, before marveling at all the downtown holiday lights.
"We'll stop by the giant tree in front of City Hall, pose for pictures at the illuminated angel wings outside Central Library, and walk through the lighted tunnels on Bagby and Rusk and Bagby and McKinney, as well as the one across the street from the Hobby Center," says Morgan. "All the oak trees in the area are also laced with twinkle lights, so it'll be beautiful no matter where we wander."
A quick stop at the merchandise booth for an adorable chimney sweep cap and mini toy chimney sweep (you can also pick up Mary Poppins' famous hat and umbrella) leads to a special treat or two from the concession stand.
Arriving early also gives you and your family plenty of time to visit the restrooms and get settled in your seats before the show begins. Pro tip: Ask an usher for a booster seat to give your child a better sightline to the stage.
Date night
"My boyfriend is not necessarily a theater person, but he does love going on adventures with me," says Elizabeth Gentry, TUTS assistant manager of marketing and communications.
To help make their night special, the couple plans to start with dinner and drinks at Rosalie at the C. Baldwin Hotel. Pro-tip: Audience members can show their Mary Poppins ticket for a free glass of wine with the purchase of an entree. For an extra-special experience, stay the night at the elegant hotel.
Be sure to stop for cute pics in the Hobby Center lobby, where a step-and-repeat, huge lighted tree, and Mary Poppins photo opp await. If you pause to admire the tree, you'll notice that the ornaments are adorable kites handmade by differently abled students through a partnership with TUTS.
"This show is so much fun and so full of surprises," says Gentry. "There is so much stage magic that even someone who's not normally into theater will be amazed at all the tricks."
Cap off the night by stopping by any of the dozen of holiday-themed bars nearby, or take a drive through River Oaks to admire the lights.
Friends' night out
Lisa Holmes, TUTS communications manager, is a self-proclaimed Disney adult, and has already gathered a large group of like-minded friends to see the show. With so many people coming from different areas of Houston, she recommends parking in the Hobby Center garage ("it's $15, like anywhere else in the theater district, but you're right there") for easy access.
Everyone can grab a drink at one of the theater's many bars — there's at least one on every level of the Hobby Center. Pro tip: Go ahead and pre-order your drink for intermission and skip waiting in line. Snacks are also available at the bars, and range from candy and pretzels to small charcuterie board boxes.
If your group wants something a little more substantial, make reservations at the on-site restaurant, Diana American Grill.
"Even though I've been watching everything come together from behind the scenes, I still can't wait to see my friends' faces when they watch the show," Holmes says.
If you're seeing a matinee, Holmes recommends heading to nearby Voodoo Donut while the crowd thins out after the show.
"It's a great place to get dessert or coffee while discussing the show," she says, "and if you're coming from the 'burbs like me, you'll appreciate some sugar for the drive home!"
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TUTS' production of Mary Poppins runs through December 24, so get your tickets now.
Check on Theater Under the Stars's upcoming 2023 season here.
