Original Stage Mary Poppins, Laura Michelle Kelly, to Join Broadway Cast

By Andrew Gans
11 Sep 2009

Laura Michelle Kelly
Laura Michelle Kelly
Photo by Aubrey Reuben

Laura Michelle Kelly, who won a 2005 Olivier Award for her title role performance in London's Mary Poppins, will join the Broadway cast of that family-friendly Disney-Cameron Mackintosh musical next month.

London's Daily Mail reports that Kelly will begin performances as Broadway's Mary Poppins Oct. 12 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. A Disney spokesperson could not confirm the casting at this time.

Kelly has also been seen on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof and on the London stage in Lord of the Rings.

The New York Poppins cast currently features Scarlett Strallen in the title role, Adam Fiorentino as Bert, Daniel Jenkins as Mr. Banks and Rebecca Luker as Mrs. Banks.

Richard Eyre directs Mary Poppins, which features choreography and co-direction by Matthew Bourne and boasts original songs from the film — with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman — as well as new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Julian Fellowes wrote the book.

The musical also features set and costume design by Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design Steve Canyon Kennedy, orchestrations by William David Brohn, musical direction by Brad Haak and musical supervision by David Caddick.

For more information visit www.DisneyonBroadway.com.