By Eliza PARTIKA

Highlands Theater’s production of “Mary Poppins” brought spoonfuls of sugar and a slice of Broadway to the stage on Aug. 7, its opening night. Directed by Broadway veteran Carter Thomas, who also played Bert the chimney sweep, the production featured a cast of Broadway, Off-Broadway, debut and local actors returning to the Highlands Theater with polished vocals and thoughtful characterization that gave the familiar story new energy.

The audience’s excitement was palpable before the curtain rose. During the performance, laughter and applause accompanied familiar songs including “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” The opening weekend production captured the charm of the original film while allowing its performers to put their own spin on beloved characters.

The staging is equally inventive. Minimalist sets shift seamlessly from the streets of London to the chimney tops and the Bankses’ home while clever props bring to life the magic of Mary Poppins. The supporting cast adds another layer of charm and stunning vocal and physical performances; from the hilarious maids running the Banks household to a moving statue and the signature villain Miss Andrew.

The musical follows the plot of the Disney film: As the Banks family struggles through difficult times, Mary Poppins arrives to teach the children about caring for others – and to show Mr. and Mrs. Banks the small but important things they have been missing in one another.

At the center of the production are Mary and Bert, whose friendship carries a hint of something more. Bert offers the children – and adults – a kind of luck with the shake of his hand, yet he cannot seem to find much luck for himself, whether in his pursuit of Mary or in his place in society. Thomas’ whimsical, enigmatic portrayal captures both the physicality of the role and Bert’s longing for someone like Mary to lift him beyond his circumstances. Yet Bert ultimately seems content to share his own magic and luck with others.

Mary, meanwhile, has her own luck and wisdom to rely on. She knows when she is needed and when her work is done she moves on. Lisette Garrido’s portrayal captures both qualities, giving Mary a knowing presence tinged with mystery.

From the moment Garrido appears onstage, her joyful, practical Mary Poppins commands attention. Her soaring vocals recall Julie Andrews while giving the character a spark distinctly her own.

The production’s magic, however, reaches beyond spectacle. P. L. Travers’ original “Mary Poppins” books drew on myth and folklore to explore the power of those often overlooked or dismissed. The children learn to find wonder in “boring” outings – to the park, to the bank – and to recognize the small but significant opportunities for imagination hidden within the everyday. Through Mary Poppins’ guidance, the adults learn to question who they have been told they should be, imagine themselves anew and, with a little luck and connection, find their way toward becoming the family they were meant to be.

“Feed the Birds” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” both get to the heart of the production’s message: The least among us may be more than they seem; magic can exist in the mundane; and kindness from children and adults alike can make the impossible feel real.

“Although you can’t see it/you know they are smiling/each time someone shows that they care.”

In a world where pleasure and reward are often expected instantly, this timeless story offers a quieter reminder: Look around. Take pleasure in the magic already there. And notice the people around you, with a little more kindness.

Performances of “Mary Poppins” continue through Aug. 23 at Highlands Church, 4441 La Crescenta Ave. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/mary-poppins-tickets-268665.