Image: Ballet Theatre of Queensland 2018 Season presents The Little Mermaid at QPAC Playhouse. Photo (c) Tom Baker.
This endearing fairy tale is beautifully interpreted in a swirling wonderment of dance and costume that uplifts and delivers an impressive evening of entertainment.
The tale is of a little mermaid longing for a chance to meet the handsome land prince. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch to gain legs so she may be able visit him in his palace. But alas he loves another. However, this tale is of friendship; whereby the creatures of land and sea celebrate peace and the little Mermaid’s bravery in saving the prince from drowning.
Beginning with the dance of the mermaids the show was stimulating from the start, gorgeous costumes delighted the eyes as the eloquent dancers began the story of The Little Mermaid.
The engaging and changing scenes were seamless in this production as the talented dancers weaved the story with grace, dexterity and joy. The large cast created a myriad of wonder with beautiful costumes that dazzled the eyes, the bronze glory of the starfish a definite favourite, along with the beautiful flower girl scenes – the classical nature of which gave an inherent victory to the danse d’ecole.
Guest artist Jayden Grogan excelling as the young prince offered exceptional ballet to the appreciative audience. He was partnered with the delightful Poppi Eccleston as Princess Moldavia. I found the delicacy of Amy Ronnfeltdt’s (Little Mermaid) character a believable interpretation of her role. The young and powerful Prince Trident (Cormac McDonald) along with The Sea Witch (Samantha Gehrke) were impressive and striking throughout the show. I particularly loved the sailor scenes where the frivolity and joviality of the cast brought the audience to giggles. The whimsical band members Carmen Maracas (Zara Ibraham) and Lady Ruby Jazz Singer (Madeline Tuck) and more, also provided amusing comedic sequences with excellence. All the artists were a delight to experience.
Musically the ballet was accompanied by compiled works from Leo Delibes, Anton Rubenstien, Johann Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Franz Shubert, Jean Stibelius, Holger Pauli, Ronald Bings and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
This exciting production from the Ballet Theatre Company creative team is a cultural testament to the talent and gifted individuals who participated in this endearing work originally written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1836. Showcasing stunning choreography by Artistic Director Timothy Brown (Little Tell Tales Nocturnal Phantasm) along with Liz Whelan as Rehearsal Director and Assistant Choreographer is masterful, with playful sets designed by Bill Haycock (7 Deadly Sins)and Rozina Suliman (Dunsinane), sensitive lighting design by Wesley Bluff and costumes by Carmel Wenck (Aladdin) that made this a visually outstanding piece.
The Little Mermaid showcases the growing talents of fifty-seven of Queensland’s finest young dancers, aged 10 to 19 years, from 28 dance schools across the south-east, and as far afield as Bundaberg and Runaway Bay.
Ballet Theatre of Queensland are in its 81st year supporting youth arts, bringing back to Brisbane audiences its enchanting production of The Little Mermaid for a seven-performance season.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The Little Mermaid
Choreography: Timothy Brown
Set Design: Bill Haycock, Rozina Suliman
Costume Designer: Carmel Wenck
Lighting Design: Wesley Bluff
Playhouse QPAC
17-20 January 2018
