Gavin Lee, who originated the role of Bert in the hit Broadway and London productions of Mary Poppins, will be joining the previously announced Ashley Brown, Broadway's original Mary Poppins, for the show's North American national tour next year. Brown and Lee will continue performing at the New Amsterdam Theatre until a date to be determined; their Broadway replacements have yet to be announced.
The Mary Poppins tour begins performances in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on March 11, 2009, and is scheduled to play the State Theatre in Cleveland, the Fox Theatre in St. Louis and the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, with additional cities, venues and dates to be announced.
Lee starred as Bert in the show's world premiere production in London's West End before moving with it to Broadway. Lee's since received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor, as well as Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Olivier Award nominations for his performance. His London theater credits include Peggy Sue Got Married, Contact, Oklahoma!, Saturday Night, Crazy For You and Me and My Girl On film, he appeared in The Phantom of the Opera and Beyond the Sea.
