DANBURY — Musicals at Richter (MAR) continues its 42nd season under the stars with its magical and marvelous production of Mary Poppins, which continues weekends through August 8.

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s beloved musical is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, which follows the magical, mysterious, and “practically perfect” nanny Mary Poppins (played by Helen Seda). Once she arrives at the Banks household, Mary uses a mix of whimsy, discipline, and enchantment to help the family reconnect.

The cast and crew at MAR go above and beyond to capture what makes Mary Poppins such a beloved classic. From the charismatic performances and energetic choreography to the beautiful costumes and delightful live music accompaniment, MAR's Mary Poppins is a must-watch for people of all ages.

Seda is so phenomenal as the title character that it feels like she walked straight out of the movie. She is likable from the moment she "floats" in stage left, carrying herself with a stern yet compassionate disposition toward friends and strangers alike. Seda has this prim and precise diction as Mary, as though she carefully chooses each word before she says it out loud. This makes her a fun foil to the more chaotic, less put together characters in the show.

Seda also has sharp comedic chops, whether it is her reigning in the Banks family or asserting how "practically perfect" she is. Speaking of, she has excellent chemistry with the Banks children, Jane (Katherine Hadermayer) and Michael (Brendan Famularo), as well as the multitalented job hopper Bert (Rob Fontenelli), who also serves as the story's narrator. The joy they share singing and going on adventures together is absolutely infectious. It is made all the better as Seda is a powerhouse vocalist, with an expressive and resonant voice that makes every number featuring her a treat.

Fontenelli is equally great as Bert. He puts on his best Cockney accent and tackles just about every scene with a smile on his face. His Bert has the charisma to charm his way out of any situation, coming off as lively yet incredibly wise beyond his years, whether talking to the Banks children or cheering up their traditional, no-nonsense father, George Banks (Bob Roda).

Fontenelli especially shines during big ensemble numbers like "Jolly Holiday," "Step in Time," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," where he gets to show off his strong stage presence and dancing skills.

Hadermayer and Famularo are a delight as Jane and Michael, respectively. They share just about every scene, so making sure their relationship feels genuine and believable is important. The pair more than pulls this off; Hadermayer and Famularo chase each other around, play tug-of-war with a doll, and rebel against authority.

What makes all these scenes work is how funny, expressive, and confident they are. They truly feel like excitable yet troublesome siblings, all thanks to the way they carry themselves on stage. It also makes their journey into more compassionate people incredibly endearing. Hadermayer and Famularo's voices also sound quite nice together. They are even stronger when joined by Seda as Mary Poppins.

Roda and Laura Huling are a treat as George and Winifred Banks. Roda starts the show as a cold, distant man who wants to make money for his family as much as he wants to rein his children in. Huling begins as a kind and loving woman who struggles trying to live up to her husband's expectations. Huling sells her as a tried and true bleeding heart; her emotions are palpable throughout the show, specifically in "Good for Nothing/Being Mrs Banks."

As for Roda, it is amazing to watch George's cold exterior melt by the end of the show through the influence of Mary, Bert, and his wife. The little dance he shares with Winifred toward the finalé is nothing short of sweet and romantic, thanks to how well Roda portrays George as a demanding traditionalist earlier in the show. He has this sensitivity beneath him that rounds out the family and then some.

The rest of the cast is just as fantastic. Nicky Eklund is hilarious as Robertson Ay, with many strong moments of physical comedy throughout the show. Eklund fully leans into his character's clumsiness, stumbling around the kitchen, falling onto the table, and breaking even more set pieces before flopping onto the floor. Every single comedic moment Robertson gets is cranked up to 11; Eklund gets a lot of laughs, and for good reason.

Ashley McLeod continues her MAR villain streak as the humorless and frightening Miss Andrews. She played Ursula in MAR's The Little Mermaid last year, and she brings the same gravitas and delightful deviousness to this character. McLeod is an incredibly strong vocalist as well, as shown off in both parts of "Brimstone and Treacle." She has such a powerful and commanding stage presence that she makes nailing the soaring long notes she hits look effortless.

From recurring side characters to those who only appear in one number, every additional member of the cast makes a lasting impression on stage. The magic of Mary Poppins comes to life not from any one person's individual effort, but that of everyone who dares to stand under the spotlight and pour their excitement and whimsy into the show.

No better is this seen than through the ensemble numbers. The cast weaves in between each other as they spin their brooms and tap dance, or swing their partners and mimic the spelling of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious with their hands. They crank up the emotions in every single song, from the joyfulness of "Jolly Holiday" to the unsettling vibes of "Playing the Game."

Statues will crack and unstiffen, while toys will unnaturally waver from side to side; truly, the ensemble makes every number feel magical.

The costuming feels like it comes straight out of 1910, when the story takes place. The dark jackets and red bandanas of the chimney sweeps, the lovely traditional outfits of London citizens, and the many eye-catching dresses of Mary Poppins — there are so many incredible outfits that audiences will wish they could keep one themselves.

Shout out to the live orchestra, which never misses a beat of the show's iconic soundtrack.

Every single component of MAR's Mary Poppins comes together for an unforgettable experience. This "practically perfect" production is sure to make adults and children alike leave with a big smile on their face.

Performances continue Friday through Sunday at 8 pm until Saturday, August 8; grounds at Richter Art Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury, open earlier for picnics. A special discounted performance is planned for Thursday, August 6.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and $15 for ages 10 and under. For August 6, tickets are $25, $20 and $10, respectively. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. Visit musicalsatrichter.org for reservations and additional information.

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.