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Mary Poppins @ State Theatre 7/19 Advice: Throw away all intellectual analysis and just enjoy the stage version of “Mary Poppins,” a show that appeals to the kid lurking inside most grownups. The excitement level opening night was infectious thanks to a crowd liberally peppered with spruced-up children on their best behavior.

The long-anticipated Disney/Cameron Mackintosh production brought the expected Broadway dazzle and special effects to the State theatre (which is far more grand than most Broadway theatres today) and filled it with music and dance from a “practically perfect” cast. The original Broadway leads, Gavin Lee and Ashley Brown, charmed and delighted with spot-on portrayals of the whimsical Bert and the self-possessed Poppins (it just doesn’t seem right to call the awesome nanny by her first name).

Mr. and Mrs. Banks (Karl Kenzler and Megan Osterhaus) tapped into the eternal dilemma of loving parents who are having trouble with their own marriage. The large cast paid skillful homage to the best parts of the Disney film and gave life to entertaining additional material original to the stage production.

Outstanding (and huge) production numbers included an amusing and original version of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” that included the cast lining up “YMCA” style to spell out the word with arm, hand (and even body) signals. “Step in Time” engendered an audience clap along that seemed to throw infectious energy back into the stage.

The special effects proved special indeed, with statutes coming to life, Bert walking up the walls and across the ceiling, and Poppins flying overhead (once almost close enough to be touched). The colorful revolving sets and backdrops moved on cue as Bert (Lee) talked to the audience and moved the story along. Too-loud mics (for orchestra and sometimes voices proved the only serious irritant, especially for those under the balcony who (paradoxically) had trouble hearing the words and lyrics. (Advice: either sit up front or in the balcony with your field glasses.)

If you don’t have a kid to take to this production, borrow one. Or release your own inner kid and enjoy this bit of summer fluff. And pick up a copy of PL Travers’ Mary Poppins (at $13 possibly the least expensive item at the gift shop) as you leave so you can meet the quirky original in the textual flesh.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com (:divend:)