Daniel Jenkins: The Joys of Fatherhood On and Off Stage

A few thoughts on playing a dad on Broadway and being one at the same time…

I guess the first thing that pops into my head about this job is that I tend to learn more from young people than I can teach them. I can't tell you how many times in my life I have been awed by the simple wisdom of my children, and it is no different in this environment. The kids who have worked on Mary Poppins have really been remarkable, and the acting lessons from them keep coming. They also seem to have a pretty good handle on their good fortune in this profession, and that it's something never to lose sight of.

Getting the role of Mr. Banks in the first place was a family affair. During a school break, my wife and two boys had packed up for a drive to visit a friend in Vermont , but delayed our departure so I could do a lengthy callback for this plum role. As soon as I got home, we hopped in the car and started out of town. An hour and a half later, I got a call saying that I needed to return the following day for more callbacks. The boys were disappointed, but understanding, and we turned around. We did the same thing the following day, finally leaving town after my second full day of auditioning. This time, when the phone rang on the drive, it was to let me know that I had landed the job. We were all jubilant, and my boys still have permission whenever the mood strikes them to say, "Dad—you got the job!" It really did feel like a group effort, and it's wonderful to have a "home team" pulling for you like that.

George Banks is a character who works hard—maybe too hard—and has lost sight of his priorities: his family. I think that happens to many of us. In providing for our families, we get caught up in the work world, and our compass gets broken, especially for those who love their work, as I do. The irony for me is, doing this job, I end up seeing less of my children! The theater schedule can be tough on a family during the school year. We do very well with sitting down to dinner as often as possible, but the reality is that I head off to work not long after the boys return from school. Summers are a lot easier, as we get to do things together during the day.

There is a line in Mary Poppins that Bert sings to Mr. Banks, "...For all too soon they've up and grown, and then they've flown...." Believe me, it is a direct hit whenever I hear it. I am moved by it every single time. I know how precious this time is with my guys, and I cherish every bit of it—or certainly try to.

At first I was concerned about how I might be able to bring this uptight-seeming Brit across to an American audience. But as I started preparing for the role, I discovered how close to home he was to so many men, including myself. His insecurity, desire to please and to succeed, to keep up appearances, to control his environment...none of these issues ended up feeling foreign to me or, I think, to audiences. It has been really gratifying to hear men who come up to me after a performance say how moved they were by George's journey. I think it is quite easy to see our reflection in this character's struggle.

Mary Poppins and Bert inspire this transformation in George with their special brand of magic—but it is George who must make the change. He is the one who has to wake up and notice the gifts he is given on a daily basis.

I am hugely fortunate to be surrounded by such gifts. The effortless and soulful talent of my Mrs. Banks, Rebecca Luker, is chief among them for me, as I do most of my work with her. She is constantly raising my game and making me better just by occupying the same space with me.

And the kids. They teach me every day. To remember what is important. To keep it simple. And be thankful for my remarkably good fortune.