Mary Poppins makes her way to Brooklyn for the first time

Who needs Broadway when you have Brooklyn?

The hit Broadway musical “Mary Poppins” is making its landing to Brooklyn for the first time in a live major production. Presented by Jeff Samaha Theater Productions in association with Ridge Chorale, the show will feature a top notch orchestra, stunts and costumes, which would seem daunting for up-and-coming talent, but according to the show’s producer Karen Tadross, everyone is not only up to the challenge, but having fun in the process as well.

“We actually have a company installing flying equipment. It will be exciting to have Mary in the air opening night,” she said. Flying by Foy is considered a high profile theatrical flying service. “It’s the same company that flew the character of Mary Poppins on Broadway,” Tadross noted.

When they announced that “Mary Poppins” would be this year’s production, audiences were immediately excited about seeing the live show, Tadross said. “It has never been in Brooklyn so to bring ‘Mary Poppins’ to our community with low ticket prices is something I’m proud of,” she remarked. “Sometimes on Broadway, it’s $150. Our prices are $15 and $25.”

Tadross added that adults are just as eager as their kids to get a glimpse of the show. “When I mention it to the adults, they seem more excited about it than the kids,” she noted.

Last year, the company presented a successful adaptation of “Les Misérables,” setting it up for the need to repeat its success. “It was a no brainer,” Tadross noted. “When we did Les Miz as the Brooklyn premiere, it was high production and we were the first theater company to get the rights and bring it to Brooklyn. To have done it was the pinnacle and holy grail of musicals and we pulled it off brilliantly. For the next production, people expect the same quality.”

Although the adaptation will stay true to the Broadway musical, there will be some slight variations for audiences. “I think how we’re doing it there are some surprises in store for this production. Our cast is incredible,” she said. “They’re superbly talent. It’s going to be magical. I can’t stress it enough. We have a tremendous and creative cast.”

Throughout rehearsals, director Frank Caiati has had a blast. “The production as a whole is a blend of approaches,” he said. “It has very fantastical, stylized moments and also scenes that are realistic. The interplays are interesting because they help sustain the audience through a very real story that’s a family drama at the heart. It’s fun to blend both elements.”

Though it’s been fun, there have also been challenges due to the large scope of the show. “It was a courageous move because it’s enormous in every way possible. The cast, technical effects and demands are large. The set design is huge but we have hard-working, talented people that love what we do and enjoy it,” said Caiati.

Caiati is eager for the crowds to finally see the finished product. “I’m looking forward at every show to adults feeling like kids as they see something that was formative from their childhood. This story is such a part of American history,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to kids seeing theater for the first time and holding on to those memories when they’re older.”

“Mary Poppins” premieres on Friday, September 18 at 8 p.m. at the theater at the High School of Telecommunications Arts and Technology, 350 67^th Street. Additional shows will be held on Friday September 25 at 8 p.m., Saturdays September 19 and 26 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays, September 20 and 27 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 718-989-9566 or visit www.ridgechorale.com.