Anniversary Special! Learn Six Surprising Facts About Broadway’s Most Magical Nanny, Mary Poppins

The West End smash Mary Poppins first flew onto Broadway on November 6, 2012, and it's been a "jolly holiday" ever since. Based on the books by P. L. Travers and the Oscar-winning Disney film, Mary Poppins continues to delight audiences at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. From high-flying actors to 20-second costume changes, six years later, this magical family musical still leaves audiences guessing just how the special effects are accomplished on stage. While we can’t solve all the big mysteries, Broadway.com has gathered six surprising facts about the musical in honor of its sixth Broadway anniversary. Read on to uncover some of Mary Poppins’ secrets.

1. In its six years, Mary Poppins has won 44 major theater awards around the globe, including the Tony, Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.

2. The Banks’ house weighs 40,000 pounds!

3. The actress playing Mary Poppins flies up and out more than 50 feet through the New Amsterdam Theatre.

4. There are 250 costumes and 52 wigs in Mary Poppins.

5. During “Step in Time,” Bert walks 30 feet up the proscenium arch. By the time he completes the upside down journey to the other side, he’s traveled nearly 110 feet.

6. It took Walt Disney over 20 years to secure the rights to Mary Poppins from P. L Travers, who introduced the character in her book series.