Mary Poppins or Lion King on broadway...which one???

[cdotla]

I am trying to decide whether to see Mary Poppins or Lion King on broadway...unfortunately we can only see one.

Our party will include a 6 yr old and an 8 year old. We don't have any strong preference, and would really like to see both of them, so I would love some feedback from anyone who has seen either (or preferably both) as to which one you would recommend.

I know Pete mentioned on the podcast recently that the London performance of Mary Poppins had really gone downhill...what about the NY version?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sayhello]

I am trying to decide whether to see Mary Poppins or Lion King on broadway...unfortunately we can only see one.

Our party will include a 6 yr old and an 8 year old. We don't have any strong preference, and would really like to see both of them, so I would love some feedback from anyone who has seen either (or preferably both) as to which one you would recommend.

I know Pete mentioned on the podcast recently that the London performance of Mary Poppins had really gone downhill...what about the NY version?

Thanks in advance!

I have no experience with Mary Poppins at all, but the Lion King is one of the most spectacular shows I have ever seen (and I'm happy to say, I've seen a few!). The opening number alone is worth the price of admission!

Sayhello

 

[WaltD4Me]

I've seen both, tough choice. I looooved Mary Poppins...keep it mind it is a little different than the movie. I didn't like Lion King quite as much, but that wasn't because it wasn't good, it's because I just don't care for shows where you can see the puppeteers. Kind of silly I know, it just bugs me. I feel the same way about the Nemo show at AK. All in all though, for kids that age, I think I'd go with Lion King.

 

[DarthVader92]

I'm going to agree with Tobi. This is the most SPECTACULAR show I have ever seen. Granted I saw it a while ago and in Toronto instead of NYC (due to sold out performances and ticket prices going up)

Of course my favorite broadway show remains to be The Phantom of the Opera, Lion King is number third (Two being Wicked).

I also have yet to see Mary Poppins, but truthfully have no intention of seeing it. I'd LIKE to see it, but at the same time I don't WANT to see it.

 

[DisneyCruisin']

We LOVED both! Lion King is our first choice. DS saw it for the first time when he was 9 and sat mesmerized. We saw Mary Poppins in December and loved it too. The story is different than the movie but it was a great show! The puppets are incredible in the Lion King and my son loved watching the animals come down the aisles but he loved watching Mary Poppins fly up to the ceiling in that show too. You won't go wrong with either of them.

 

[slapwhitey]

We have seen both. Lion King as a travelling show and Mary Poppins on Broadway. I have to say that Lion King is my favorite movie of all time and I loved the stage verson. That being said Mary Poppins to me was simply incredible. Maybe the best thing I've ever seen live....keeping in mind I haven't seen a ton.

My vote...Mary Poppins.

 

[Kimberle]

I have seen both on broadway. They are both excellent. If I had to choose, I'd see Mary poppins. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[wdwscout]

We have seen both on Broadway. Mary Poppins twice, and Lion King FOUR TIMES!!

We love Lion King FAR more than Poppins. We loved it so much the first time, that we kept going back and taking more people to see it!

We saw Mary Poppins couple years ago and it was "OK." It's a little dark- it captures a few different chapters in the book than are in the movie. Some if familiar, but some is new and less "cheery." Our son did not remember that we had seen it and bought us tickets for Christmas this year. It was a lovely gesture- so we went and saw it again. We liked it a little better, but it still doesn't come close to Lion King, Wicked Phantom of the Opera or Beauty & the Beat (all of which we have also seen more than once- they are sooo good).

If it was my only opportunity- I would easily pick Lion King.

 

[goofygal531]

We saw Mary Poppins couple years ago and it was "OK." It's a little dark- it captures a few different chapters in the book than are in the movie. Some if familiar, but some is new and less "cheery."

If it was my only opportunity- I would easily pick Lion King.

completely agree!

I LOVE the movie version and felt the musical dragged on. It actually put me to sleep at times! The kids grew restless at the scenes they were not familiar with. It includes all the stories of Mary Poppins from several books, which for a child thinking they are seeing a version of the movie is a bit different.

I'd go with the Lion King. It's visually beautiful and the same story the children are familiar with.

Although Spiderman after dark is amazing too!

 

[kaligal]

For kids, Lion King all the way.

 

[wicked.witch.of.wdw]

For kids, Lion King all the way.

Agreed. I've heard rumors that what I'm about to say was edited out, but I'm not entirely sure how true they are because I haven't seen the show. HOWEVER, there is/was a VERY scary sequence in Mary Poppins that might be too much for your little ones (it's too much for me!)

http://youtu.be/smMc2s8q5Yk

My vote is 1000% Lion King

 

[boo1928]

For kids, Lion King all the way.

I've just booked to see the lion king when it comes to Manchester in December and I'm taking the kids dd9&ds5 so I'm glad to see its reccomended .

 

[cdotla]

Thanks for all the replies!

While it's not unanimous, I am now leaning Lion King. Wish they had the discounted tickets for DVC members like you can get for Mary Poppins though! Oh well....we can only see 1 and I don't want price to be the determining factor.

Getting excited after all the great reviews!!

 

[cdotla]

Well I had been leaning toward the Lion King, but just purchased right-side front row mezzaine tickets to Mary Poppins for this weekend.

After Robert Sherman's death I was feeling the need to pay a tribute. I am sure there will be tears shed listening to the wonderful music and knowing we have lost one of the broadway musical greats of our time.

 

[jimmiej]

Just bought tix to see Mary Poppins. Really looking forward to it! We saw Lion King in Chicago. It'll be interesting to compare the two.

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

I have seen Lion King a couple of times. Last summer went to see Mary Poppins and it was one of the most incredible shows I had ever seen. Absolutely loved it!

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've seen both. For kids, I'd choose Lion King any day. Mary Poppins has a fun scene where she flies over the crowd, but the play isn't as good as the movie (IMHO.)

 

[NancyIL]

I saw Mary Poppins on Broadway in 2007 and in Chicago in 2009, but I've never seen The Lion King. I loved Mary Poppins, although I don't recall her flying over the audience. I loved Bert's walk on the ceiling!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I saw Mary Poppins on Broadway in 2007 and in Chicago in 2009, but I've never seen The Lion King. I loved Mary Poppins, although I don't recall her flying over the audience. I loved Bert's walk on the ceiling!

Mary and her umbrella and carpet bag definitely flew across the Gammage Theatre (near Phx) in Feb 2010. She flew from the first balcony to the stage. Bert's walk on the ceiling was fun to watch too.

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

My DS (12) and I saw The Lion King last year and while I loved it he thought it got boring. I'd love to go see Mary Poppins but I doubt I can talk my son into seeing another musical. Lol. It depends on what your kids are into I guess. Hope you all have a great time at whichever you choose!