Trinity’s performing arts programme is thriving, exemplified on this occasion by the Year 3 to Year 6 students’ exuberant presentation of this Disney musical review. There was some fine talent on display as the large cast sang and danced their way through the one hour performance, demonstrating their developing skills with focus, concentration and joy. The success of the various elements was well led by Director Kristy Triantafilakis who, with Chelsea Bentley, also choreographed the movement.
As the title promises, the show itself is a pleasant collection of a number of Disney movie songs, among them Be Our Guest,The Bare Necessities, When You Wish Upon A Star and You’ve Got A Friend In Me among other favourites. The songs and dances are linked by a simple narrative encouraging various characters to develop and follow their dreams and ambitions. The binding dialogue was led in an enthusiastic and reassuringly confident way by Rose Ballinger and Zina Ibegbulem whose performances engaged the both audience and their fellow performers.
The production is designed as a showcase of individual and ensemble songs, mostly with choreography. These young performers managed the range of songs, the linking dialogue and the dance routines with ease. The entire cast showed discipline and focus, even when seated on benches around the stage while others performed. As a review the production definitely succeeded. Apart from the two lead performers there were eight others with significant roles, named as Players 3-14, some of them playing more than one role. They were Sharon Briceno Blanco, Parker Cohen, Alex Henderson, Kayla Start, Matilda Stewart, Asher Marett-Guest and Harper Coombe. They each had their solo moments and all managed them with confidence and talent. The joyful atmosphere was well supported by the specialist dancers who shone in their featured numbers, with rhythm, poise and notable gymnastic skills.
The production was well served by the well-appointed theatre. the set was simple yet appropriate with a number of sets of shelves with benches to the left and right. Central up stage was a silhouette of Mickey Mouse ears which sat above a well-used entrance. Likewise the costumes were simple and appropriate – bib and brace overall shorts and either a blue or purple t-shirt.
The whole presentation was bright and joyful. It looked and sounded attractive and was a fine vehicle for the young cast to develop their skills and thoroughly entertain us.
