Review: Maija Poppanen

Maija Poppanen, Ambassador of Good

Chim-chim-cheri is one of the wonderful melodies in the musical Maija Poppas.

A good story stands the test of time, and so is the Helsinki City Theatre’s new musical Maija Poppanen.

The Swedish director of the musical, Hans Berndtsson , sees – quite rightly – a lot of connections in the story to our time.

In the bank family, many things are wrong. Their children Anna and Mikko are difficult, their mother Vilma is lonely and their father Yrjö is dedicated to his work. Everything changes when a new nanny, Maija Poppins, is hired for the family. He is self-respecting, fair, brave and mysterious.

Mary Poppins delights with music, masterful dances, acrobatics and magic that amazes even the adult viewer. When Maija leaves the stage at the end, it is something unforgettable.

Emmi Kangas is Maija Poppins up to her fingertips, and Tuukka Leppänen as Perttu hits the button. In smaller roles, Ursula Salo (Mrs. Elli), Antti Lang (Ropponen) and Unto Nuora (Neleus) are excellent.

The performance lasts almost three hours. It is good to think in advance about the age at which the child can watch it.