Bringing the popular children's books character to theaters for the first time since 1964, 2018's
Mary Poppins Returns very much captures the spirit of the original
Disney film musical, in terms of both tone and substance. With
Emily Blunt taking over as an ageless, practically perfect Poppins visiting the now-grown children from the classic film, the sequel is set 25 years later, in Depression-era London. It features a new family crisis, the precocious children of Michael Banks, a lengthy combined live action-animated segment, a singing/dancing lamplighter (the effortless
Lin-Manuel Miranda), other larger-than-life characters, and tuneful, graceful lyrical rhymes focused on life lessons as well as wordplay. The script and lyrics also have an arguably refreshing lack of contemporary references and irony, with the possible exception of a cheerful closing number that features the refrain "There's Nowhere to Go But Up." The score and songs were written by
Marc Shaiman, with help on lyrics from
Scott Wittman, who previously collaborated with
Shaiman on the Broadway musicals
Hairspray, Catch Me if You Can, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A stage version may be inevitable with tunes like the music hall-styled "The Cover Is Not the Book," the tongue-twisting "The Royal Doulton Music Hall," wistful ballad "The Place Where Lost Things Go" -- all led capably by
Blunt -- and the big dance number "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" featuring
Miranda. The soundtrack also offers performances by
Dick Van Dyke, Meryl Streep, and
Angela Lansbury, who sings lead on "Nowhere to Go But Up" as the Balloon Lady. Tracks from
Shaiman's spirited original score are included, following the overture and songs. ~ Marcy Donelson