Dare to Dream Jr.

Dare to Dream Jr. A Disney Musical Revue by The Young Performers

The Young Performers brought Disney magic to the Duchess Theatre with Disney's Dare to Dream Jr., a musical revue which has only recently been available from MTI (Music Theatre International) for licensing. This was the first time I had seen the show and it’s first appearance at the Duchess Theatre.

The show follows a group of eager trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As they work together to discover their dreams, they learn about imagination, creativity and believing in themselves. Featuring songs from modern favourites to timeless Disney classics, it is a celebration of dreaming big and daring to achieve the impossible.

Leading the audience through the story were Alex Povey and Lottie Ellis as the Imagineers. Dressed in Disney-themed dungarees and Mickey Mouse ears, they confidently guided us through the journey, encouraging everyone to imagine, dream, believe and dare. They were engaging narrators throughout Singing “Be Our Guest” at the beginning of Act One and they also sang a lively duet of "Hakuna Matata" and "The Bare Necessities" in Act Two.

The revue showcased a large number of talented soloists. I particularly enjoyed Neve Johnson and Lexie-Mae Hart whose beautiful rendition of "How Far I'll Go" and "Part of Your World" saw their voices blend together wonderfully. Jamie Higgins delivered "Out There" and “Try Everything” well and Frankie Burden and Clarissa Armitage gave a lovely performance of "Just Around the Riverbend” .

Mia Allen was a complete ball of energy during "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" and she also gave a lovely performance of "When I Am Older" in Act Two, complete with a sprinkling of snow which delighted the audience.

Alexa Lewis demonstrated her powerful voice and strong stage presence in both "Surface Pressure" and "Go the Distance". Evie Perks gave a delightful performance of "Let It Go" and AJ Chamberlain brought plenty of character and fun as the Genie in "Friend Like Me", supported by an excellent team of tap dancers. Finishing off Act One was Remy Read as Jessie from Toy Story singing "You've Got a Friend in Me".

Act Two opened with a strong performance from Olivia Hill from Princess and the Frog with "Dig a Little Deeper". Isobel Pickering impressed the audience with her rendition of the Nonsense Medley and Paige Bone delivered a touching performance of "Remember Me", with the entire cast accompanying the song with British Sign Language.

Supporting the principal performers were the ensemble groups. The Dance Ensemble consisted of Alexia Simpson, Megan Shackleton, Molly Price and Violet Graney, who brought great movement and energy to many of the production numbers.

The Dare Ensemble featured Daisy O'Connor, Elijah Green, Emily Wilkins, Keeley Rickerby, Mily Hopkins, Olivia Monk and Imogen Scott. The Dream Ensemble comprised of Amelia Baker, Archie Brooks-Ball, Emily-Mae Taylor, Emmie Simmonds, Livvy Read, Millie Newbold and Sophie Longcroft, everyone worked hard and looked like they were having the best time.

Behind the scenes, the production team should be extremely proud of what they achieved. Lewis McDowall, making his debut as Director, delivered an entertaining production. Vicky Byrne, also making her debut as Musical Director, ensured good clear vocals throughout. The choreography was created by Lottie Ludlow and it was inventive and well thought out. The tap routine was a particular highlight, showcasing a different genre of dance. Ella Charlesworth provided support to the team as Assistant Director and Assistant Choreographer. The Production team and the cast have obviously worked hard to learn and rehearse the dances which were executed well. 

During rehearsals the cast had been set a task to come to rehearsal “DisneyBound” as their favourite characters. For those unfamiliar with the term, DisneyBounding involves creating the look of a Disney character using everyday clothing rather than full costumes. The cast rose brilliantly to the challenge, and it was great fun spotting so many recognisable Disney characters represented through clever use of colour and style.

The set was designed and constructed by the Young Techies team: Eva O'Riordan, Liv Michaud, Gizel Chaperova and Maddie Taft, under the guidance of Roydon Charlesworth, Stage Manager and Set Designer. The Young Techies recently received a Special NODA Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to local theatre, and it was easy to see why, their hard work was evident throughout this production.

The set featured a giant image of Mickey Mouse as a backdrop, complete with practical doors that were used frequently throughout the show. Two large flats displayed a wonderful collection of Disney characters connected to the songs featured in the revue which had all been cleverly drawn onto the flats by the Young Techies. I particularly liked the use of the tall, wheeled ladders, which provided varying levels during certain numbers.

Lighting by Dave Martin and Maddie Taft, was colourful, fun and complemented the Disney theme. There were some excellent spotlight moments, and I loved the glitterball! A particularly effective touch was the use of lighting to highlight the Disney character on the back flats that was associated with each song. The sound by Olivia Michaud remained clear and balanced, ensuring every performer could be heard.

The Disney magic extended beyond the stage. Front of House had created a wonderful atmosphere, with audience members young and old purchasing Disney ears and headbands before the show. The Front of House team embraced the theme by wearing Disney T-shirts and even Stage Manager Roydon Charlesworth fully entered into the spirit, appearing after the show dressed as Sheriff Woody.

Disney's Dare to Dream Jr. was a celebration of imagination, friendship and believing in yourself. It showcased the talents of the Young Performers and the Young Techies and it was clean that everyone was living their best lives! Huge congratulations to all involve and I look forward to seeing The Young Performers again at Duchess Theatre in January 2027 for their Pantomime, Cinderella.

 

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