Mary Poppins

Although specific magic effects are not named in the script, productions often use simple tricks to visually establish just how magical Mary really is.

Mary's carpetbag offers all sorts of possibilities. Oversized flowers and other impossibly large objects can apparently be pulled from the bag. One practical stage method is to place the bag on a dresser, radiator cover or other piece of furniture with a concealed hollow space. Mary can secretly reach through the bottom of the bag and into the furniture to produce an object far too large to have fit inside.

The surprise doesn't always have to be serious. An appearing flower makes a beautiful production, while an unexpected oversized or silly object can turn the same basic idea into a laugh.

The medicine scene provides another opportunity for magic. Mary can pour clear liquid into the children's glasses and have each serving apparently become a different color. A simple theatrical method is to place a small drop of edible food coloring in each glass beforehand; when the clear water is poured in, the color suddenly appears.

And while your production may not have the flying effects of a Broadway production, even a carefully staged optical illusion can give Mary a brief magical levitation moment without elaborate equipment.