Olivier Winner Laura Michelle Kelly to Play Mary Poppins on Broadway

Laura Michelle Kelly, who won an Olivier Award for originating the role of Mary Poppins in the West End, will be moving into Broadway’s Cherry Tree Lane, according to London’s Daily Mail. The paper says the raven-haired British star is already in rehearsal with director Richard Eyre for her return as everyone’s favorite super nanny in the Broadway production. She will begin performances on October 12 for a limited engagement.

In addition to Mary Poppins, Kelly has an eclectic resume of stage credits, including her Broadway debut as Hodel in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Her West End roles include taking over the role of Swallow in the original production of Whistle Down the Wind, Eponine in Les Miserables, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings and Karen in Speed-the-Plow. The actress released her debut solo album, The Storm Inside, in 2005. Kelly is also attached to the upcoming musical adaptation of the hit movie Ghost, directed by Tony winner Matthew Warchus (who directed the actress in LOTR).

Jenny Galloway, another member of the original London cast, joined the Broadway production on September 1. Mary Poppins also currently features Scarlett Strallen as Mary Poppins, Adam Fiorentino as Bert, Daniel Jenkins as Mr. Banks, Rebecca Luker as Mrs. Banks, Ann Arvia as Bird Woman, Mark Price as Robertson Ay, Ruth Gottschall as Miss Andrew and Jeff Steitzer as Admiral Boom. Juliette Allen Angelo, Alexandra Berro and Cassady Leonard alternate as Jane Banks; Jeremiah Kissane, Matthew Schechter and Andrew Shipman alternate as Michael Banks.

A production spokesperson could not confirm the casting at this time.