Presented by Adelaide Youth Theatre
Reviewed 28 Jan 2016
The magic of Disney is not always easy to recreate, but Adelaide Youth Theatre seems to manage it again and again, and with the talent and enthusiasm of their young players Disney‘s The Little Mermaid is indeed magical.
Photo: Dynamic Reflections Photography
This story of a young mermaid who dreams of walking in another world relies on the looks and voice of whoever plays Ariel and Imala Konyn has both. She is a charming and mischievous princess well supported by the rest of the underwater cast. Her love interest, Prince Eric, is Connor Olsson-Jones, who is becoming a fine leading man. Benji Riggs puts in a magnificent performance as Sebastian the crustacean with the Caribbean accent (which never falters) – much energy and fun. His shenanigans with Chef Louis (Sahra Cresshull) were hilarious.
Georgia Bolton as Ursula
Photo: Dynamic Reflections Photography
Skuttles and Flounder were played by Luke Wolianski and Gemma Dandie being the friends that Ariel needs and Georgia Broomhall, Lucy Artis, Emily Downing, Ava-Rose Askew, Keira Barge and Annabel Lane were her beautiful, if less than loving sisters. On land, James Eddleton made a fine pilot and Ruth McLafferty was the reliable Grimsby.
The Special Guest artist playing King Triton, Ariel’s loving and much put upon father, is Andrew Crispe who sang beautifully, as did Georgia Bolton playing the pivotal role of Ursula. The quartet of Triton, Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula in the second act was one of the highlights. Erin Sowerby and Emma Wilczek supported Ursula with flair as Flotsam and Jetsam.
The fantastic array of very colourful and clever costumes was co-ordinated by Tash Fennel and Lisa Donovan and many were flashes of brilliance – congratulations to the creators. Shenayde Wilkinson-Sarti choreographed some fun moves with a very full stage, and both she and director Thomas Phillips did well keeping the pace and the flow of creatures on and off stage going so smoothly. Kudos too to Deborah Brennan and her small orchestra for managing to recreate such a well-known sound track so successfully.
This was just one of the two casts and I am sure the other cast is just as proficient. Disney fans will be pleased to have been given the chance to see this magical piece – don’t miss it.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Watch for Brian Godfrey’s review of the other cast of Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Venue: The Arts Theatre
Season: 28 – 31 Jan 2016
Duration: 2hr 30mins
Tickets: Adult $45, Conc $35, Child $25, Group (10+) $35
Bookings:
· http://adelaideyouththeatre.com/Adelaide_Youth_Theatre/
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