Fans of the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins” are in for a treat this fall, as Gavin Lee, who originated the role of Bert in the show’s world premiere in London’s West End, Broadway production, and US national tour, will return to the show’s Broadway production on August 24th. He will be coming directly from the show’s national tour, which is currently playing at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. His co-star on Broadway will be Laura Michelle Kelly as Mary Poppins, who was the first actress to play the show’s title role, making this the first time the two have performed together in the show since the beginning of the show’s London run in 2005.
“We are enormously excited that, at long last, Broadway will get to see the sublime on-stage pairing of Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee, our original Mary and Bert,” stated Thomas Schumacher, producer and president, Disney Theatrical Productions. “Their winning chemistry and star power delighted London audiences and critics alike and now New York has the opportunity to see them together.”
In his role as Bert, Lee was nominated for both the Olivier and Tony Awards, the highest awards for theatre in London and New York, and won the Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his Broadway performance. He has earned high critical acclaim for his performance, and in the current national tour, he has performed for President Obama and his family, and such Hollywood stars as the original Bert himself, the legendary Dick Van Dyke. Laura Michelle Kelly has won much praise as well as Mary Poppins, and was awarded the 2005 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in London.
“Mary Poppins” is currently playing on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where it has entertained over 2.4 million theatregoers and has grossed $190 million to date. The show will celebrate its fourth anniversary on Broadway on November 16. Tickets to the show, which are priced from $31.50 – $121.50, can be obtained online through the show’s website or ticketmaster.com, in person at the New Amsterdam Theatre box office on West 42nd Street, or by calling Ticketmaster’s Disney on Broadway hotline at 866-870-2717.
