Disney The Little Mermaid Jr
It’s wonderful to see a new theatre company emerge, especially when they burst on to the scene with a high quality, beautifully presented first show, as Western Theatrics have with The Little Mermaid Jr.
Western Theatrics is a new not-for-profit company established by working industry professionals, and their aim is to offer “outstanding educational experience and awe-inspiring shows for children throughout Perth”. They already seem well on their way to fulfilling their mission.
The Little Mermaid Jr. was a youth show with strong performances and high production values. Performing on a two-level set designed by Stephen Carr, and sturdily constructed by his brother Peter “Pear” Carr, the basic set provided a shimmery sea inspired back-drop onto which large set pieces were pushed. Joanne Padgett costumed the large cast in good quality, colourful outfits - including some lovely little surprises - while effective lighting design came from Kat Brieden.
This is a Disney Jr show, so performers were singing to a high-quality musical backing, and Musical Director Nicole George coached some quality performances from these developing voices. Ashleigh Winter provided interesting and effective choreography, best seen as a large and well-trained ensemble swung into the big production numbers, especially “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”.
This show is dependent on a top-notch performance in the title role, and Cadence Smythe was excellent in the demanding part of Ariel, singing and acting beautifully. Every princess deserves a handsome prince, and James Leber, was charming and gave his role some depth. A worthy adversary came in the form of Jocelyn Dale’s superb Ursula, a more glamorous sea-witch than we usually see, but every bit as evil as we hoped.
Delightful work from Ariel’s friends. Tiny Allegra Ong was an earnest and enthusiastic Flounder, with excellent energy. Kiara Chidgzey was flying as Scuttle the Seagull, with gorgeous characterisation. Kelsey Morandin stole scenes as Ariel’s minder, the Crab Sebastian, and lead several of the numbers that were production highlights.
A sextet of mersisters was a lovely team, working together with flair. Sweet but sassy performances from Charlie Lund, Chloe Schiller, Freya Taylor, Lexi Atkins, and Samara Bicknell. Father to them all, King Triton was played with careful authority and depth of both voice and performance by Max Murray.
Making the most of significant but smaller roles were Peregrine Carr and Lizzie Martin working well together as Flotsam and Jetsam, Hunter Caplen blustering beautifully as Grimsby, diminutive Miles Russo giving a big performance as Chef Louis and Ash Brady in fine voice as the Pilot. Isla Hall and Freya Taylor share the small but important role of Carlotta, and the actress I saw did a great job.
A healthy sized ensemble was kept busy playing sailors, gulls, sea creatures, dead souls, chefs, lagoon animals and princesses, every role well played and nicely characterised.
An impressive and promising debut production from this young company, and I look forward to seeing many future shows.
Kimberley Shaw
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