From talking animals to magic carpets and life under the sea, Nelson audiences will be spoiled for choice as Nelson Youth Theatre rolls out three musicals in the upcoming school holidays.
Young performers will take to the stage at the Theatre Royal, with the upcoming season celebrating their 100th musical out of 260 shows staged to date.
“It’s pretty special,” says founder Richard Carruthers.
The trio of shows is all youth-directed and includes Doctor Dolittle Jr (4–6 April), Aladdin Jr (9–12 April), and The Little Mermaid Jr (15–18 April), featuring around 150 young performers aged between four and 18.
Richard says some of the older cast members are busy, taking on roles across all three productions.
The season opens with Doctor Dolittle Jr, which is being performed by the group for the first time.
“It is very family-friendly – young and old will love it. There are some fabulous costumes made specifically for the show,” Richard says.
The musical follows the story of a kind but eccentric doctor who can talk to animals, taking audiences from the English village of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to distant parts of the world.
Richard says that although the songs from the show won’t be widely recognised, they will “live in your brain” for quite some time.
The second production, Aladdin Jr, marks the company’s 100th musical and is expected to be a high-energy performance.
“It will have all the magic and pizazz you’d expect,” Richard says.
Based on the 1992 animated film and Broadway adaptation, the story centres on Aladdin, a street-smart young man who discovers a magic lamp and a Genie who grants three wishes. As he tries to win the respect of Princess Jasmine, he has to show who he really is.
The show features well-known songs, including Arabian Nights, One Step Ahead, Friend Like Me, and Prince Ali, along with elaborate sets, costumes, and UV lighting.
The final production, The Little Mermaid Jr, rounds out the season.
“The songs are gorgeous, it’s a lively show with vibrant staging. People will be completely entertained,” Richard says.
Adapted from Disney’s stage and film versions, the musical tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living on land. To do so, she must defy her father, King Triton, strike a deal with the sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric she is the one he is searching for.
Richard says that staging three productions allows more young people to take part, and also gives more youth the opportunity to try their hand at directing.
“We are always looking to find ways to maximise everyone’s enjoyment and to give more children better roles.”
He says interest in youth theatre continues to grow, with new performers often joining after seeing shows, as well as youth interested in taking part backstage.
Get your tickets from www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
