Chip Gallagher wanted Virginia Musical Theatre to perform “Mary Poppins,” then Disney made it sweeter.
As a child, Gallagher, VMT’s artistic director, loved the 1964 film with Julie Andrews.
He had made the stage musical art of VMT’s current season even before learning a sequel would be hitting movie theaters this winter. “Mary Poppins Returns” features Emily Blunt taking over the magical umbrella.
“The new movie affected the timing — we put our production right after the movie came out so that it might maybe create some more interest,” he said.
And so, VMT’s production will run this weekend at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.