The musical Mary Poppins, which is predicated on the beloved Disney film and P.L. Travers’ novels, is getting a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious manufacturing at Theatre Under The Stars now by means of December 24.
To guarantee your outing to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect jolly vacation it may be, listed here are three totally different itineraries as mapped out by TUTS specialists.
Bring the entire household
As director Julie Kramer and choreographer Jessica Hartman have previously said, that is the best present to introduce kids to the theater. Stage magic, flying, enjoyable track and dance, and classes in compassion and connection make Mary Poppins a terrific household present, particularly through the holidays.
“I fell in love with TUTS as a child, so I’m actually excited to get to share that with my six-year-old son and watch him be part of that magic,” says Bridget Morgan, TUTS affiliate director of selling and communications.
Her plans embody arriving early in order that they will dine on the close by — and family-friendly — Hopdoddy Burger Bar within the Heights, earlier than marveling in any respect the downtown vacation lights.
“We’ll cease by the enormous tree in entrance of City Hall, pose for footage on the illuminated angel wings exterior Central Library, and stroll by means of the lighted tunnels on Bagby and Rusk and Bagby and McKinney, in addition to the one throughout the road from the Hobby Center,” says Morgan. “All the oak bushes within the space are additionally laced with twinkle lights, so it will be lovely irrespective of the place we wander.”
A fast cease on the merchandise sales space for an lovable chimney sweep cap and mini toy chimney sweep (you can even decide up Mary Poppins’ well-known hat and umbrella) results in a particular deal with or two from the concession stand.
Arriving early additionally provides you and your loved ones loads of time to go to the restrooms and get settled in your seats earlier than the present begins. Pro tip: Ask an usher for a booster seat to present your little one a greater sightline to the stage.
Date night time
“My boyfriend shouldn’t be essentially a theater particular person, however he does love occurring adventures with me,” says Elizabeth Gentry, TUTS assistant supervisor of selling and communications.
To assist make their night time particular, the couple plans to begin with dinner and drinks at Rosalie on the C. Baldwin Hotel. Pro-tip: Audience members can present their Mary Poppins ticket for a free glass of wine with the acquisition of an entree. For an extra-special expertise, keep the night time on the elegant lodge.
Be positive to cease for cute pics within the Hobby Center foyer, the place a step-and-repeat, big lighted tree, and Mary Poppins photograph opp await. If you pause to admire the tree, you will discover that the ornaments are lovable kites handmade by otherwise abled college students by means of a partnership with TUTS.
“This present is a lot enjoyable and so filled with surprises,” says Gentry. “There is a lot stage magic that even somebody who’s not usually into theater might be amazed in any respect the tips.”
Cap off the night time by stopping by any of the dozen of holiday-themed bars close by, or take a drive by means of River Oaks to admire the lights.
Friends’ night time out
Lisa Holmes, TUTS communications supervisor, is a self-proclaimed Disney grownup, and has already gathered a big group of like-minded pals to see the present. With so many individuals coming from totally different areas of Houston, she recommends parking within the Hobby Center storage (“it is $15, like anyplace else within the theater district, however you are proper there“) for simple entry.
Everyone can seize a drink at one of many theater’s many bars — there’s no less than one on each degree of the Hobby Center. Pro tip: Go forward and pre-order your drink for intermission and skip ready in line. Snacks are additionally out there on the bars, and vary from sweet and pretzels to small charcuterie board containers.
If your group desires one thing a bit extra substantial, make reservations on the on-site restaurant, Diana American Grill.
“Even although I’ve been watching all the things come collectively from behind the scenes, I nonetheless cannot wait to see my pals’ faces once they watch the present,” Holmes says.
If you are seeing a matinee, Holmes recommends heading to close by Voodoo Donut whereas the group thins out after the present.
“It’s an amazing place to get dessert or espresso whereas discussing the present,” she says, “and for those who’re coming from the ‘burbs like me, you will recognize some sugar for the drive residence!”
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TUTS’ manufacturing of Mary Poppins runs by means of December 24, so get your tickets now.
Check on Theater Under the Stars’s upcoming 2023 season here.
