A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

But there’s just a sprinkle of medicine in “Mary Poppins.” It’s mostly sugar, and meant to be enjoyed.

“I like that it has a good message,” said James Findlay, director of Farmington city’s “Mary Poppins,” opening July 28 for a six-show run. “First and foremost, it’s just a fun show. It’s not really intended to be an allegory of anything too deep. The central message is about finding what priorities should be the top for you. Think about your own life, and what can bring you the most happiness and joy. Those are the things you should be working on.

“But the book was written as a children’s fantasy, not to be taken too seriously.”

Findlay directed his city’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun” last season, and was allowed to choose a play for his return engagement.

“Everybody knows the 1964 film, but I never knew how they would pull of a stage play,” he said. “But it came together quite nicely. The stage play is an adaptation of both the film ‘Mary Poppins’ and the original book.”

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Governess Poppins arrives through somewhat magical means to help the Banks family find order, meaning and fun. The stage musical does include some “magical” special effects.

“We’re going to do our best to deliver, I can’t make any promises,” Findlay said, with a laugh.

The 50 people cast as named characters and ensemble members range in age from 8 to middle age.

“Everyone who auditioned for a lead role was just amazing,” Findlay said. “And the people who ended up with the roles are supremely talented and have great stage presence and strong voices.

“Everything’s going great and everyone has worked really hard. It’s a big show. There are so many moving pieces and so many great numbers. It really takes dedication from everyone, not only the cast but the production crew as well.”

The show is set in the early 1900s, which has made costuming interesting, Findlay said. One iconic piece from the film, Bert’s red, orange, yellow and white-striped jacket, took some extra effort.

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“Our costumer couldn’t find the fabric, so she made it by sewing together different colors,” Findlay said. “She made the jacket with the vertical stripes, right out of the film.”

Findlay said he feels proud to live in Farmington, where the city supports the arts.

“Not every city is willing to take on a Broadway-style show,” he said. “They can get expensive. The city has really come through for us. It’s been a ride. We are having fun.”

Contact reporter Nancy Van Valkenburg at 801-625-4275 or nvan@standard.net. Follow her on Twitter at @SE_NancyVanV; on Facebook at facebook.com/SE_NancyVanV.

PREVIEW 

• WHAT: “Mary Poppins'
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 28-31, Aug. 1 and 3
• WHERE: Farmington Community Arts Center, 120 S. Main St., Farmington
• TICKETS: $6/door, $5/advance through webtrac.farmington.utah.gov (registration required)