Massachusetts Educational Theater Musical Awards Musical Critique
NAME OF ADJUDICATOR: Lisa Mento, with additional verbal notes added from METG Executive Director, Michael McGarty
DATE OF PRODUCTION VIEWED: 5/7/2016
NAME OF PERFORMING SCHOOL: Archie Cole MS
TITLE OF PRODUCTION: Aladdin Jr.
Technical Critique
Set/Lighting Design and Execution
I loved the set. Simple but perfect: fits all needs and scenes so well. Set is great for this show. "Whole New World" was so pretty!! liked the carpet, too!
Note from M. McGarty: loved the cave, glad you used double level for sets, loved the sliding carpet; you guys always have clever ways of solving problems.
Props Coordination
Is the carpet prop, set or character? It can be all three if done as well as you did. While I greatly enjoyed the narrators performance, they knew the mics were props and sometimes let them do whatever (not always their fault-- the choreography sometimes made the mics go places other than directly in front of their mouths).
Stage Management and Stage Crew
Cole ALWAYS has a tight crew. Great job! Seamless, as usual.
Stage Direction
A very strong production. Well done. Minor quibble: too many people on stage right before the finale. Noticeable because the show was otherwise even.
Note from M. McGarty: Kids movement was good, they knew where they needed to be and were well organized; which is impressive for a middle school. You kept the choreography simple but difficult enough to keep the audience from getting bored.
Performance Critique
Acting (Leading and Supporting Roles)
Energy on the whole was low at this performance. All actors at complete ease on stage. An enjoyable watch.
Note from M. McGarty: More choral work than in the past, harmonies were great. Try to beat on them the importance of annunciation. All of the kids did too much mumbling “playing it too intimately” on stage, relying on being able to talk into the microphone.
Acting Ensemble (Chorus and Minor Roles)
The ensemble/minor characters were completely committed to character even though the energy was low. From the suitors to the narrators to the giggly harem girls, everyone had a clear choice portrayed.
Note from M. McGarty: Narrators did an extremely good job.
Choral Ensemble
Strong ensemble. Harmonies were great. Well done.
Dance Ensemble
Liked the addition of the tap number; good to see it integrated into the show.
Noteworthy Actors
Liam Salisbury
What a pleasure to watch! Liam is so comfortable and charming, the audience can't help to immediately be on his side. So relaxed and natural. Well done.
Jack Larson
I really enjoyed Jafar's performance. He stuck to his character. Was fun to watch.
Lola Verret
First of all, THANK YOU for not trying to copy Robin Williams. You made the genie your own. It was obvious you were very comfortable in the part and had fun playing it. Job well done!
Anna DeCesare
I loved the character and how you chose to portray it. However, sometimes you spoke so quickly that I couldn’t understand what you were saying. I really liked what you did, but you need to slow down.
NAME OF ADJUDICATOR: Lisa Mento, with additional verbal notes added from METG Executive Director, Michael McGarty
DATE OF PRODUCTION VIEWED: 5/7/2016
NAME OF PERFORMING SCHOOL: Archie Cole MS
TITLE OF PRODUCTION: Aladdin Jr.
Technical Critique
Set/Lighting Design and Execution
I loved the set. Simple but perfect: fits all needs and scenes so well. Set is great for this show. "Whole New World" was so pretty!! liked the carpet, too!
Note from M. McGarty: loved the cave, glad you used double level for sets, loved the sliding carpet; you guys always have clever ways of solving problems.
Props Coordination
Is the carpet prop, set or character? It can be all three if done as well as you did. While I greatly enjoyed the narrators performance, they knew the mics were props and sometimes let them do whatever (not always their fault-- the choreography sometimes made the mics go places other than directly in front of their mouths).
Stage Management and Stage Crew
Cole ALWAYS has a tight crew. Great job! Seamless, as usual.
Stage Direction
A very strong production. Well done. Minor quibble: too many people on stage right before the finale. Noticeable because the show was otherwise even.
Note from M. McGarty: Kids movement was good, they knew where they needed to be and were well organized; which is impressive for a middle school. You kept the choreography simple but difficult enough to keep the audience from getting bored.
Performance Critique
Acting (Leading and Supporting Roles)
Energy on the whole was low at this performance. All actors at complete ease on stage. An enjoyable watch.
Note from M. McGarty: More choral work than in the past, harmonies were great. Try to beat on them the importance of annunciation. All of the kids did too much mumbling “playing it too intimately” on stage, relying on being able to talk into the microphone.
Acting Ensemble (Chorus and Minor Roles)
The ensemble/minor characters were completely committed to character even though the energy was low. From the suitors to the narrators to the giggly harem girls, everyone had a clear choice portrayed.
Note from M. McGarty: Narrators did an extremely good job.
Choral Ensemble
Strong ensemble. Harmonies were great. Well done.
Dance Ensemble
Liked the addition of the tap number; good to see it integrated into the show.
Noteworthy Actors
Liam Salisbury
What a pleasure to watch! Liam is so comfortable and charming, the audience can't help to immediately be on his side. So relaxed and natural. Well done.
Jack Larson
I really enjoyed Jafar's performance. He stuck to his character. Was fun to watch.
Lola Verret
First of all, THANK YOU for not trying to copy Robin Williams. You made the genie your own. It was obvious you were very comfortable in the part and had fun playing it. Job well done!
Anna DeCesare
I loved the character and how you chose to portray it. However, sometimes you spoke so quickly that I couldn’t understand what you were saying. I really liked what you did, but you need to slow down.
