A very familiar face returns to 'Mary Poppins'

No matter how much you like the stage version of  “Mary Poppins,” the original 1964 Disney movie is never far from mind. Which is why the Ahmanson Theatre audience went crazy Friday night when it was told Richard M. Sherman, one of the film’s songwriters, was in the house and went even crazier when it learned Dick Van Dyke, one of the film’s stars, would make a surprise appearance during the show.

The effervescent actor did not portray Bert, the Cockney chimney sweep he made famous. Instead he reprised his other (and less well known) screen role–Mr. Dawes Sr., the crotchety bank president and boss of Poppins’ boss, Mr. Banks. Van Dyke had to cajole Walt Disney into giving him the part because Disney thought Van Dyke–then in his 30s– was too young to be the ancient moneyman. The actor reportedly won him over by acing a screen test, agreeing to portray Dawes for free and making a donation to the California Institute of the Arts, which Disney co-founded.

Van Dyke had a much easier time getting the chance to play the tottering, doddering banker at the Ahmanson. After seeing the Disney-Cameron Mackintosh production of “Poppins” when it opened here in November,  he volunteered to join the cast for a cameo. Dawes--a character not included in the stage musical--was written into a pivotal scene in which Banks finds out whether he’s going  to lose his job.

Although he’s 84, Van Dyke still cuts a spry figure and flashes a familiar impish grin. During his Big Moment late in the second act,  he was easy to spot as he staggered through the bank’s doors, gummed and mugged to the crowd’s delight, sputtered a few choice words and then burst into “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” accompanied by a jig.

"Old actors don't die," Van Dyke quipped after the show. "They keep doing the same part over and over."

-- Karen Wada

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Comments

[Shelley Ellison]

I was so excited to just be there to see Mary Poppins last night. It is one of my favorite movies. But when he announced that Dick Van Dyke was making an appearance I was overjoyed. He is fantastic! The play was "Practically Perfect In Every Way"!

[Ron Riegler]

My wife and I were at the show last night - what a thrill it was to see Mr. Van Dyke! The crowd went wild - no one will ever forget it. Dick Van Dyke is one of the funniest and most gifted comic actors the world has seen - what a privilege it was for those of us there last night to show Mr. Van Dyke how we all feel. He is truly a national treasure.

[julie Runco]

So good on so many levels that Mr. Van Dyke made a cameo last night. What a wonderful treat for everyone present... a moment that well be talked about and shared for years. I wish I could have seen that..
Thank You Mr. Van Dyke for that you are so loved !
Now bring that show to Oregon !!

Julie Lucas Runco
Cottage Grove, OR

[LA Times Reader]

I would have loved to be at the play. I am certain that Dick Van Dyke was just as wonderful as he was decades ago. The art/costume department probably needed less cosmetic work this time as his naturally white hair is readily available. =)

[Ali Meyer]

This is so great, it's amazing to see Dick Van Dyke back on the scene. He came in to a Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsal, and preformed with us on stage, dancing a part from one of his songs. It's incredible that at 84 he can still have this energy. I have loved all of the movies he has been in!

[A fan in Willowbrook/Compton]

One of my fave actors from way back when. I would have loved to have been in the audience last night.

[Mark and Joyce Smith]

What a treat! My wife and I feel privileged to have seen Mr. Van Dyke in action. He is absolutely ageless! All of the cast members were remakable, and the entire performance was non-stop energy and entertainment, but having our original "Bert" in the house made the evening unforgettable!

[Amy R.]

I was lucky enough to attend Friday's performance, as a D23 member, and it truly was fantastic seeing Mr. Van Dyke on stage and knowing that Mr. Robert Sherman was in the audience. There was a Q & A after the show with the two Disney legends as well as most of the cast and the director. It was an evening everyone present will never forget, a true testament to the power of the live theater experience.

[Gail Loperena]

What a thrill it was to have Dick Van Dyke perform in the Los Angeles stage show of Mary Poppins! We all went crazy when the director said he would make an appearance in that night's show. Dick Van Dyke is the greatest!!!!! Thank you Mr. Van Dyke for making us all so happy!!!!