Mary Poppins Author:Brian Sibley, Michael Lassell Two veteran writers collaborate on this fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the journey that took the âpractically perfectâ nanny from the pages of P. L. Traversâs beloved novels to the stage. — Well-known British writer and radio personality Brian Sibley tells Mary Poppinsâs story, from her ob... more »scure origins in Traversâs Australian childhood and her progress through the series of books Travers began to write in 1934, to her incarnation by Julie Andrews in one of the most successful Disney films of all time, to her long-awaited landing onstage in Londonâs West End. A long-time friend of Travers and co-writer with her of an unproduced sequel to the film, Sibley offers unique insights into the idiosyncratic authorâs complex relationship to her heroine, and the decades-long series of proposals and negotiations that finally resulted in Disney Theatrical Productions joining forces with the Cameron Mackintosh Theatrical Group to realize Traversâs stories as a spectacular work of musical theater. Sibleyâs details the entire development process of the showâs script, music, choreography, and design, culminating in a glorious opening night on December 15, 2004 in Londonâs Prince Edwardâs Theatre, as Mary Poppins is met by cheering sold-out houses and critical raves. In the bookâs second half, Michael Lassellgives a fascinating backstage account of the showâs transfer to Broadway, including the showâs American casting and important changes to its book, lyrics, and designs, as the creative team strives to âplusâ Poppins to perfection.« less