Mary Poppins

Act 1: The Banks Family Home and Mary Poppins’ Arrival

Main Characters:

• Mary Poppins:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • Mary’s first costume features a classic Victorian governess look with a long, tailored coat, a high-neck blouse, and a skirt. The colors are often muted or navy, with a neat, professional appearance.
    • Accessories: A large, elegant umbrella (for her signature entrance), a carpet bag (another iconic accessory), gloves, and a bowler hat.
  • Transformation/Flight Outfit:
    • When Mary Poppins uses her magical powers, she may change into more whimsical or fantastical versions of her usual look, such as a sparkling gown or a more playful dress when she "flies" in the show.
    • Accessories: The same umbrella, now used more actively in magical scenes.

• Bert:

  • Outfit:
    • Bert’s costumes are casual yet charming, with a style that reflects his role as a street performer and chimney sweep. His clothing often consists of suspenders, a bow tie, and checkered or striped trousers paired with a vest.
    • Accessories: A chimney sweep's hat, a brush, and sometimes a satchel or broomstick.

• Jane and Michael Banks:

  • Jane:
    • A modest Victorian-era dress, often in pastel colors with puffed sleeves and a simple ribbon for a belt. She typically wears knee-high socks and sturdy shoes, in keeping with her young age.
  • Michael:
    • A similarly styled boy’s outfit with short trousers, knee socks, a jacket, and a shirt with a tie.
    • Accessories: A cap, and simple boyish shoes.

• Mr. and Mrs. Banks:

  • Mr. Banks:
    • A formal Victorian suit with a waistcoat, often in darker colors like charcoal or black to represent his upper-class, professional persona.
    • Accessories: A top hat, tie, and gloves.
  • Mrs. Banks:
    • A slightly more relaxed Victorian dress, often in pastel shades with lace, ribbons, and a flared skirt.
    • Accessories: A bonnet or hat, gloves, and a purse.

Ensemble (Household Staff, Neighbors, and Townspeople):

• Household Staff:

  • Simple, professional outfits that may resemble early 20th-century uniforms, including aprons, polished shoes, and neat hairstyles.

• Neighbors and Townspeople:

  • Typical late Victorian/Edwardian attire for working-class and upper-class citizens, including dresses, suits, and hats in muted, period-appropriate colors like brown, gray, and navy.

Act 2: Magical Adventures and Lessons Learned

Main Characters (Continued):

• Mary Poppins:

  • Costume Changes:
    • Throughout Act 2, Mary may wear a range of whimsical costumes, depending on the magical sequence. For example, she may wear a sparkling, more elaborate gown during magical moments, or a colorful, eye-catching dress when teaching lessons to the Banks children.
    • Accessories: The umbrella may change, sometimes appearing larger or more ornamental depending on the scene.

• Bert:

  • Costume Change:
    • In the second act, Bert might wear his chimney sweep outfit when performing magical acts. This costume is typically a weathered, soot-stained suit with rolled-up sleeves, showing his working-class background.
    • Accessories: The classic broom and chimney sweep hat.

• Jane and Michael Banks:

  • Costume Changes:
    • As they go through their magical experiences with Mary Poppins, their outfits may become slightly more colorful or fancy, to reflect their personal growth. Jane might wear a brighter dress with fun patterns, while Michael’s costume might include a little more formality or extra detail.
    • Accessories: Both children may also have new accessories, like a toy or small item related to their adventure.

• Mr. and Mrs. Banks:

  • Costume Change:
    • Mr. Banks’s formal attire may evolve to reflect his changing attitude toward family and work. He might wear a less rigid, more comfortable version of his suit.
    • Mrs. Banks might wear more practical clothing, such as an easier-to-move-in dress as she begins to embrace her role as a mother more openly.

Ensemble (Magical Creatures, Dancing Chimney Sweeps, and Townsfolk):

• Dancing Chimney Sweeps (in "Step in Time"):

  • The iconic chimney sweeps are dressed in work trousers, suspenders, and a buttoned-up shirt, with smudged soot on their faces and clothing to reflect their work.
  • Accessories: Brooms, flat caps, and leather shoes.

• Magical Creatures:

  • These characters may wear costumes that fit into the whimsical, magical elements of the show, such as brightly colored clothing, animal-themed costumes, or sparkling attire for moments when Mary Poppins uses her powers.

• Townsfolk:

  • Similar to Act 1, but they may wear more festive clothing for the magical scenes, including fancy dresses for women and tailored suits for men, often with vibrant colors to reflect the lively atmosphere.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: More muted and elegant colors such as beige, gray, navy, and dark brown to reflect the structured, proper world of the Banks family.
  • Act 2: Bright, whimsical colors like reds, blues, and pastels, reflecting the magical, dreamlike world Mary Poppins brings to life. The costumes of the ensemble also shift toward more bright and fantastical shades.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Classic, structured fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk for formal attire, reflecting the Victorian and Edwardian setting.
  • Act 2: Lighter, more fantastical fabrics like tulle, satin, sequins, and lace for magical and whimsical moments, with emphasis on movement and shine for dance scenes.

• Key Costume Elements:

  • Mary’s Umbrella and Carpet Bag: Iconic accessories that symbolize Mary Poppins' magical powers. The umbrella may also change shape or size to fit different magical moments.
  • Bert’s Chimney Sweep Gear: His soot-covered attire is part of his signature look, and it plays a large role in his performance in "Step in Time."
  • Children’s Costumes: Simple but evolving clothing that reflects their personal growth and the lessons they learn.