John Whitson, Heather Herkelman, Brennan Hampton, and Ted Brown in Mary PoppinsWhile I expected to enjoy Quad City Music Guild's Mary Poppins on Friday, I didn't anticipate being as mesmerized as I was by this stage adaptation of the Disney film. The movie's songs by Robert and Richard Sherman are there, with additional tunes by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and a book by Julian Fellowes that adds elements from P.L. Travers' children's-lit classic. And the result, while three hours long, is an improvement on its cinematic inspiration, with the additional material even more interesting than the familiar story elements.

JJ Johnson, John Donald O'Shea, Jay Rakus, Leigh VanWinkle, Sue Somes, and Elisabeth Gonzales (back row); Lauren VanSpeybroeck, Katie Osborne, and Laila Haley (front row) in Meet Me in St. LouisQuad City Music Guild's Meet Me in St. Louis seems to me a beautifully gift-wrapped empty box. Designer Kevin Pieper's sets are grand and detailed with touches, such as light fixtures and curtains, that are appropriate for the piece's 1904 setting. Sara Laufer's choreography fits the feel of the songs, exuding high-energy fun without being overdone. Costume designer Cindy Monroe's period creations are gorgeous - particularly the women's feathered, wide-brimmed hats. And the actors are, for the most part, in fine voice, and offer cheerily spirited characterizations. I enjoyed the sights and sounds during Thursday's performance. The story, however, barely interested me.