Excellent Christmas family fare, this had the young children dancing in the aisles. Slightly different to the former Angelina Ballerina productions it was charming, bright and colourful, marvellous for the young children who loved it .
The Concert Hall was absolutely packed. Some of the younger children did perhaps get a little restless towards the end, it is best for the over 3s – perhaps the show’s duration should possibly be an hour rather than a bit over?
ANGELINA BALLERINA: THE MOUSICAL is based on the award-winning children’s books by author Katharine Holabird collaborating with illustrator Helen Craig and excitedly whisks audiences to Chipping Cheddar. Angelina and her friends discover that Camembert Academy have been selected to appear in their favourite television program ‘Dancing With Mice!’. It seems a dream come true – but when the girls and boys have very different ideas for the show and don’t seem to agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina as Dance Captain to ensure that the show actually goes ahead. It is a very moral story, all about responsibility and friendship.
There is much laughter and enjoyment when the Hip Hop Boys and the Ballet Girls have a dance off. The brand new stage show is written and directed by Miranda Larson, with music by Barrie Bignold, choreography by Matthew Cole and set and costume designs by Isla Shaw. The amazing cast of six are all required to be able to do the ‘triple threat’. Rather than full head masks the excellent cast wear somewhat lighter headdresses leaving the face free (with sparkly makeup) for expression and the singing. Joanna Gregory is delightful as Angelina – charming and graceful. The other cast members have much fun in their various roles.
Choreographically it is a mix of American and British – the opening references the original Mickey Mouse Club and there is a mix of cheerleading , ballet ( yes pointe work , pirouettes, fish dives etc ), contemporary dance, ballroom , hip – hop , and showbiz/musical. Phew!
Shaw’s set designs were bright and colourful and the scene changes generally deftly handled. There were also some marvellous lighting effects.
Angelina wants it all to be ‘stupendous; which is stressful for her in the beginning , but she received some much needed support and then had her chance to appear on TV having appointed her best friend, Alice, to be a Deputy Dance Captain. Angelina decides to acknowledge that she needs to accept some help from the others. Together they all really scintillate and the ballet girls and the hip hop boys each had a shot at their own ‘dance’ dreams; fairies vs pirates and superheroes and monsters – AJ wanted everyone to dance hip hop; Marko wanted everyone to be salsa dancers on the show; whilst Viki wanted to use some props.
Audience participation is included too. Clapping hands in rhythm was only the beginning. At one point, the audience as fellow class members were asked “who should be dance captain?”. by elegant Miss Mimi , most of the children yelled out “Angelina.” The audience also participated in a ‘Mexican wave’ at one point too.
It was also cute to see Alice announce the names of some little children, who are part of a ballet school in Sydney to come on stage and perform with them. They looked cute and adorable in their mouse ballerina tutus. As Angelina would say ‘stupendous!’ ( her favourite word) .”Let’s dance together. Together, together we just get better ‘ as the cast sing .. So find your ballet shoes and join Angelina, Alice, Gracie, Viki, AJ and Marco for the most ‘stupendous’ Mousical of the year!
Running time 80 minutes ( approx) no interval. ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL is playing at the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, until December 24 and then tours nationally.