January 30, 2026
Mary Poppins – by the numbers
A spoonful of music, magic, and movie history — performed live at Lyric.
Turning a beloved film into a live concert experience takes far more than pressing play. From the musicians in the pit to the artistry unfolding on screen, Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film reflects the scale, care, and collaboration behind every moment. Here’s a look at the numbers that bring the magic to life at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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Academy Award nominations - A record for any Walt Disney Studios film at the time, with five wins, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews, Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and Best Original Score.
1
Iconic debut - Mary Poppins marked Julie Andrews’ feature film debut — and earned her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Walt Disney discovered her while she was starring in Camelot on Broadway.
20
Years - That’s how long Walt Disney pursued the rights to adapt Mary Poppins, after promising his daughter Diane he would turn her favorite book into a film. Author P.L. Travers granted the rights in 1961 — a story that was later told in the 2013 film Saving Mr. Banks.
$6 million
The original budget for the film — the most expensive Disney production at the time — produced major advances in visual effects, including seamless combinations of live action and animation, extensive matte paintings, and complex compositing that brought “London” to life on a Burbank soundstage.
30+
Songs - More than 30 songs were composed during development. The original 1964 album includes 17 tracks — sixteen songs and an orchestral overture.
4
Occupations for Bert - One character (played, of course, by Dick Van Dyke), many talents: one-man band, chalk artist, chimney sweep, and kite salesman.
34
Letters - In Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, a nonsense word that somehow says exactly what it needs to.
$103 million
Total - The film earned $44 million in U.S. theatrical rentals during its original run and became the highest-grossing film of 1964 in the United States. It ultimately grossed more than $103 million worldwide, making it Disney’s most successful release at the time.
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Musicians - Along with one music librarian and six hours of rehearsal, Lyric Opera Orchestra musicians bring the Sherman Brothers’ complete score to life, performed live in sync with the film under the baton of Anthony Parnther.
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Performances - Two chances to experience this beloved family favorite at Lyric, each leading to a shared, unforgettable memory.
Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film will be performed at the Lyric Opera House on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at lyricopera.org/MaryPoppins.
