Book by Doug Wright
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard
Ashman & Glenn Slater
Directed by Jordan
Best
Ickle Pickle
Productions
Belconnen Theatre to 25th
January
Reviewed by Len Power
11 January 2020
Based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and the animated
1989 Disney movie, ‘The Little Mermaid’ tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who
dreams of the world above the waves and gives up her voice for the love of a handsome
human.
Director, Jordan Best, has given the show a fine staging
full of colour and movement. It moves at
a fast pace with good performances and strong production values. Her staging of the storm sequence was
especially well done.
The set design by Ian Croker cleverly evokes this crazy
undersea world. Fiona Leach has designed
a dazzling array of colourful and sparkling costumes for the myriad of sea
creatures and the lighting by Sidestage Productions gives the show a fine
aquatic atmosphere. Makeup designs by Eryn
Marshall were quirky and effective.
There were some strong performances amongst the large
cast. Emily Pogson’s performance in the
central role of Ariel the mermaid was nicely detailed and she sang very well,
especially the memorable ‘Part Of Your World’.
Meaghan Stewart excelled as the crab, Sebastian, leading the
big song from the show, ‘Under The Sea’ with gusto and an infectious sense of
fun. Janie Lawson gave a delicious performance
as the evil Ursula and led the song, ‘Daddy’s Little Angel’ superbly.
There were too many in the strong cast to mention
individually but Jack Morton as the seagull, Scuttle, Michael Jordan as King
Triton, Joss Kent as Chef Louis and Jade Breen as Flounder all gave notable
performances.
There was also fine work by the six Mersisters. Their ensemble singing was assured and each
performer presented an attractive individual character.
The choreography by Jodi Hammond suited the underwater theme
of the show very well and the cast performed the dances with confidence and
enthusiasm. There were some well-trained
dancers in the cast who featured strongly in ‘Under the Sea’ and especially in
the tap routine for ‘Positoovity’.
There was strong vocal work by the company and the balance
between voices and the pre-recorded music was just right.
This is a good production of the Disney show that will
please both adults and children.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.