Disney’s Cinderella Kids

Audiences needed to be quick to catch Bel Canto Productions’ Disney’s Cinderella Kids, as this charming little production played for just two performances. For those unfamiliar with MTI’s Kids series, these are bite sized musicals, often cut from longer shows, and are designed to be performed by very young casts. To supplement the 30 minute show, Bel Canto students added a musical theatre concert as a second act.

Played very simply, settings for Disney’s Cinderella Kids were provided by very professional backdrops by Blake Jenkins. The cast worked well in this borrowed venue, under some lovely lighting by John Woolrych.

In the title role, Anna Robbie was lovely with a very pretty singing voice - a very sympathetic leading lady. She was given worthy adversaries with beautifully created character performances from Freya Campbell and Ariana Cleaver as step-sisters Drizella and Anastasia, and Indy Leech as the evil Stepmother. Lovely teamwork from these young performers.

Cinderella’s supporters were also delightful. Jasmin Chamberlain was elegant as the iconic Fairy Godmother. Cinderella’s Mice Friends were a gorgeous team, with Sienna Pettit as Gus, with a lovely strong voice, and Sean Cleaver, Genevieta Postma and Lucy Openshaw, being simply beyond cute.

Rowan Marley was a worthy Prince Charming, living up to the character name, with lovely support from Xavier Postman bringing wry maturity to the King and Libby Bland a sweet Queen. The castle was staffed by a strong team of Town Criers played by Azia O’Brien, Sarah Bell, Ava Nikraz and Adelle Giler.

Being a Narrator is often an unrewarding task, but the Narrators in this show not only keep the story roaring along, they interact with the characters and form the core of the ensemble. Excellent singing, dancing, characterisation and enthusiasm from Cadence Smythe, Francesca Postma, Tamara Wolf and Jemima Lee. Singing throughout was strong under the musical direction of Matilda Jenkins.

he second act of musical theatre items was a joy to watch, with some strong performances from these emerging young artists. A lovely way to end the year for Bel Canto and a great Christmas present to the audience.

Kimberley Shaw