The Little Mermaid Jr

The Little Mermaid Jr
By Doug Wright, Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. Eltham Little Theatre. Director: John Leahy. Musical Director: Nicola Ramsay. Choreographer: Amanda Byron. July 3 – 12, 2015

Eltham Little Theatre’s annual junior musical was The Little Mermaid Jr and it was another resounding success. This was the youngest cast they had featured in some time, with no one over sixteen, but they were very good.

Maxine O’Hara made her debut with the company in the title role and displayed a beautiful singing voice. She worked well with her Prince, Oliver Strauss. As Sebastian, the crab who was supposed to keep the little mermaid under control, Olivia Sproule was very funny, as was Gabriella Hardy as the flounder. Kess Huggins was suitable evil as Ursula.

However, I was even more impressed with the harmony singing from the ensemble, not something I was expecting from such a young cast. I also loved the direction. There would be a scene in front of the curtains, then they would open to a new scene. It worked very well and the action flowed. In spite of the small stage the sets were very effective. Having bubbles spraying across the stage at various times also added to the atmosphere. The lighting was effective.

But it was the enthusiasm and precision of the large cast which won the day.

Graham Ford

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