Mary Poppins: understudies play the roles of 'Mary Poppins' and 'Bert' on the 7 and 8 Oct

With the departure of original cast members Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Gavin Lee (Bert) from the Broadway production of Mary Poppins on 5 Oct 2008, understudes temporarily step into the roles for performances on 7 and 8 Oct 2008.

As previously announced the show's new stars, Scarlett Strallen (Mary Poppins) and Adam Fiorentino (Bert), join the cast on 9 Oct 2008.

Mary Poppins opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on the 16 Nov 2006, following previews from the 14 Oct 2006, and is currently selling tickets through to 12 Apr 2009.

Mary Poppins is based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film.

The musical features many of the original songs from the film, with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who won two Oscar's for the film Mary Poppins. The new stage production features new songs and additional music and lyrics by Olivier Award-winners George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The production has been created in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh.

The cast also features Daniel Jenkins (Mr. Banks), Rebecca Luker (Mrs. Banks), Ann Arvia (Bird Woman), Mark Price (Robertson Ay), Ruth Gottschall (Miss Andrew), Jeff Steitzer (Admiral Boom) and Jane Carr (Mrs. Brill). Alexandra Berro, Kelsey Fowler and Cassady Leonard alternate in the role of 'Jane Banks.' Neil McCaffrey, Zach Rand and Daniel Marconi alternate in the role of 'Michael Banks.'

The musical opened to mostly good reviews: "A roof-raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza" (New York Daily News); "Was fine as a Disney movie and is even better as this Broadway musical" (New York Post); "A real Broadway musical - the kind we haven't seen in a long time." (Journal News); "Most children, however, really don't know the difference between great and mediocre performances, and they will love the show" (newyorktheatreguide).

However, not all the reviews were so favourable: "Handsome, homily-packed and rather tedious show." (New York Times); "Resembles a vast, elaborate clockwork toy of yesteryear." (Star-Ledger); "A wee bit of a letdown." (Washington Post).

Director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team assembled for Mary Poppins with co-direction and choreography by Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne.

Mary Poppins features a book by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes, set and costume design is by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and musical supervision by David Caddick.