London Star Gavin Lee to Reprise Role in Mary Poppins on Broadway

Gavin Lee, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Bert in the West End mounting of Mary Poppins, will reprise his performance on the Great White Way, according to The Daily Mail.

Lee earned great acclaim for playing Bert in London. In Variety, Matt Wolf wrote of the actor: "Gavin Lee brings a grit to the smiley-faced Bert that overhauls the role. He's also in command of some splendidly supple footwork that, during 'Step in Time,' finds Lee making his vertiginous way up, around, and over the theater's proscenium arch in what is the literally dizzying high point of Matthew Bourne and co-choreographer Stephen Mear's dances."

Before Poppins, Lee's West End credits included A Saint She Ain't, Crazy For You, Singing In The Rain, Peggy Sue Got Married and Contact.

Mary Poppins, which continues to run at London's Prince Edward Theatre, is scheduled to begin previews at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on October 14, 2006 in preparation for a November 16, 2006 opening. Beauty and the Beast star is reportedly under consideration for the title role.

A production spokesperson could not confirm any casting for the Broadway mounting of Mary Poppins.