Rapunzel

When walking in to Harper's auditorium to watch Rapunzel you could not help but gasp at the open stage. Off to stage right had been completely overgrown by Red Floral Architect's depiction of Rapunzel's tower - there were great big beautiful swathes of intertwined flower garlands in shades of pink through to white covering the walls. They helped to show height difference with the rest of the stage. Across the top of the proscenium there were brightly coloured different sized balloons, stage left had a flat with a window cutout, a bench was placed beneath the window, two moveable flat fronted painted trees were on stage, a hand drawn picture of Flynn Ryder was visible, at the back of the stage two large screens on wheels depicted brick castle walls and more pictures of Flynn Ryder. Extending out across the audience in a zig zag pattern were paper lanterns fitted over small lightbulbs - these were used to great effect later in the show as the lanterns sent up by the King and Queen.

The choreography by Tracy Harper was fluid, exciting and fresh - it was fast moving and didn't look tired or repetitive. The ensemble came out into the audience while performing the choreography, they had pizzazz and energy, they were all smiling and engaging. The footwork was well drilled, simple and executed perfectly - a box step is simple but then throw extras in like a 3 part box step with drag and you get an idea of Tracy's twists on the norm. 
The costumes by Janet Newcombe and Charades were bright and very fitting to the parts, the Dame's costumes in particular were very colourful and clear. Sound throughout was good, no gremlins, the lighting was sympathetic to the scenes and certainly added a lovely atmosphere in the boat scene with Rapunzel and Flynn. 

Gary Jones as Netty Hairspray was fabulous, he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand as soon as he appeared. His comedy timing with Silly Billy (Daniel Eccles ) was excellent, his projection was good and his knowing little nod as he lands his innuendo in the audience was done with style. 

Vicky Terry as Floella was phenomenal, she oozed badness just this side of scary and soon had the audience booing loudly at her every entrance, she had some real stage presence, I loved when she came out into the audience her character was just as strong and continued right to her fingertips. Projection was excellent as was diction.
 

The King (Michael McCaw) and The Queen (Janine Royle) were a great couple, they bounced off each other so well with the Queen stepping in every time the King tried to speak. Andrew Jordan as Flynn Ryder played a strong character hero, he used his stage space well and made a good connection with the audience. Jessica Haslam as Rapunzel showed us some lovely vocals and even acrobatic skills at climbing in through the window, projection was good and diction excellent, she used her stage space well and was confident on the stage. Daniel Eccles as Silly Billy was every inch the seasoned performer, he had the audience eating out of his hand within minutes of him appearing on stage. 
The ensemble worked very hard in this show. There were some big full cast dance numbers which they all executed well, everyone was smiling and the energy was always high, the bubble machine across the audience was a lovely touch - I could see all the children and some adults in the audience completely entranced. 

Both myself and my guest thoroughly enjoyed your production of Rapunzel. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.