Review: Maija Poppanen

Maija Poppanen is a nanny who works wonders

The premiere of the Helsinki City Theatre’s new musical for the whole family, Maija Poppanen , had a tense atmosphere. The audience got carried away by the fast-paced song and dance numbers, beating the beat to the rhythm of the music.

The musical, based on the classic novel by Australian-born P.L. Travers , had been able to create the charm and magic of a fairy tale. At the latest, when you saw Mary Poppins soaring across the auditorium with her umbrella into the air, you began to believe in miracles.

The musical is about how difficulties can be overcome and everything is possible in life. Perhaps it is during the economic recession that people need such funny and comforting stories. Mary Poppins also emphasises the fact that the well-being of the family is more important than financial success.

The musical, written by Julian Fellowes and translated into Finnish by Mikko Koivusalo, is directed by Swedish Hans Berndtsson, who previously directed the theatre’s musical Beauty and the Beast. An experienced professional brought to life a story in which an energetic and surprising nanny who falls from heaven rearranges the life of the unfortunate bank manager Pankki’s family.

The songs, composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, were catchy. Especially the theme tune Chim Chim Cher-ee stayed in my mind for the rest of the evening.

The charismatic and wonderfully singing Emmi Kangas is an apt choice for the role of Maija Poppins. The child actors of the premiere, Nelli Matula and Akseli Ferrand (four girls and boys take turns in the performances), also fit their roles. Tove Wingren and Eero Saarinen played the children’s parents with a confident touch. Tuukka Leppänen, Ursula Salo, Antti Lang and Riitta Havukainen also shone in the key roles.