The Little Mermaid JR

Upon arrival at the venue, we were warmly welcomed by the front-of-house team, whose friendly demeanour immediately set the tone for a joyful evening. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and as we took our seats, the visual splendour of the set design captured our attention. A vibrant array of balloons and ocean-themed props transformed the stage into a whimsical underwater world, immersing the audience in the magic of Atlantica before a single line was spoken.

As the curtains parted, a surge of energy erupted from the young cast, launching us into the depths of Disney’s beloved tale. What struck me most was not just the enthusiasm with which these performers sang and acted, but the sheer joy radiating from their faces. Under the thoughtful direction of Rachael Ashworth, the production celebrated inclusivity and individuality. The cast, comprising a range of ages and abilities, was given space to shine, and it was clear that each performer felt valued. Many took on multiple roles, seamlessly transitioning from stage to auditorium aisles, dancing and interacting with the audience in a way that brought the story to life beyond the proscenium.

The choreography, led by Taya Bosson, was lively and imaginative. From playful gestures to dynamic formations, the movement complemented the musical numbers beautifully. There were moments of real creativity, particularly in ensemble scenes, where the choreography helped convey the bustling energy of the underwater kingdom. One area for refinement would be the completion of movement phrases, some dancers lost clarity and energy toward the end of their sequences. Encouraging performers to extend through to the final beat would elevate the overall polish and impact of the choreography.

Each performer demonstrated a solid grasp of their lines and delivered them with commendable confidence. Ariel, portrayed by Annalese Wood, was a standout. Her interpretation of the curious and rebellious mermaid was both heartfelt and engaging. Annalese’s rendition of “Part of Your World” was delivered with emotional depth and vocal strength, though some attention to control on the higher notes would enhance her performance further diaphragmatic breathing exercises could be beneficial here. Her interactions with other characters were purposeful, and her chemistry with Prince Eric felt sincere. A touch more variety in facial expressions would help convey the nuances of Ariel’s journey, but Annalese’s maturity and stage presence were undeniable.

Prince Eric, played by Kyro Wilson, brought charm and conviction to the role. Kyro’s vocal tone was warm and expressive, and his delivery of dialogue was confident and clear. Like Annalese, he would benefit from additional support on the higher vocal passages, but his portrayal of the brave and kind-hearted prince was both believable and endearing.

No Disney musical is complete without a formidable villain, and Lily O’Toole’s Ursula was a triumph. Lily embodied the sea witch with dramatic flair, commanding the stage with her dark charisma and theatrical presence. Her costume, designed by Dorothy Ashworth and team, was a visual masterpiece, enhancing the character’s mystique and menace. Lily’s vocal performance in “Poor Unfortunate Souls” was particularly impressive. Navigating the song’s complex shifts in pitch and tone, she delivered a performance that was both vocally strong and emotionally compelling. Her diction, pacing, and vocal control were exceptional, making her portrayal one of the evening’s highlights.

Jake Ashworth as Sebastian brought humour and heart to the production. His portrayal of the loyal crab was full of personality, and his comedic timing had the audience laughing throughout. Jake’s vocal projection and clarity in dialogue were excellent, and his performance of “Under the Sea” was a joyous spectacle. The use of props and materials during this number added a layer of immersive fun, engaging the audience and enhancing the celebratory tone of the song.

Dylan Greaves as Grimsby delivered his lines with strong projection and clarity. His portrayal of the loyal advisor was grounded and consistent, providing a steady counterpoint to Prince Eric’s adventurous spirit. Dylan’s performance added a touch of gravitas to the production, and his commitment to the role was evident. Ben Watkins as King Triton brought authority and warmth to the role of Ariel’s father. His vocal delivery was confident, and he captured the character’s internal conflict between duty and love with sensitivity. Ben’s performance helped deepen the emotional stakes of the story, and his scenes with Ariel were particularly poignant.

The ensemble was a true asset to the production. Their collective energy, enthusiasm, and commitment elevated every scene. Whether singing, dancing, or supporting the leads, the ensemble created a vibrant and cohesive world that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

There were some technical issues with the microphones that occasionally affected vocal clarity, particularly during group numbers. At times, the sound levels fluctuated, making it difficult to hear certain performers. A review of mic placement and sound checks prior to performances would help ensure consistency and allow the cast’s hard work to shine through uninterrupted.

Overall, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR, performed by Centre Stage Theatre Company, was a delightful and heartwarming production. It showcased the talents of a passionate and dedicated young cast, supported by a creative and thoughtful production team. The evening was filled with colour, music, and joy, a true celebration of youth theatre and the magic of storytelling.

Thank you for the kind invitation and the warm welcome. I look forward to seeing what Centre Stage Theatre Company brings to the stage next.

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