Massachusetts Educational Theater Musical Awards Musical Critique
NAME OF ADJUDICATOR: Marianne Phinney and Lisa Mento
DATE OF PRODUCTION VIEWED: 11/21/2014 and 11/22/14
NAME OF PERFORMING SCHOOL: Archie R. Cole Middle School
TITLE OF PRODUCTION: The Little Mermaid, Jr.

Technical Critique
Technical Design and Execution
Visually, this was a striking production, especially the set and costumes. The set pieces were really well executed. The ship was very effective. The use of the same piece for Triton's throne and Ursula's Lair made for quick scene changes plus the two areas looked totally different. The boat actually rocked ‐ nice job. In the kitchen, a ball‐room drop was used with a folding table; the drop seemed a little ornate for a kitchen but was fine for the court.
Costumes were very colorful and well done. I particularly liked the costumes for Flounder, Sebastian, and Ursula ‐ the use of actors as tentacles produced a great effect. I liked the seagulls' "feather" effect. The effect carried through to the fish puppets with lights on the manta rays. The Dr. Dentons on the frogs were cute. The performance that I saw had real challenges with the sound. There was quite a bit of breakup and static, and volume levels varied. Balance was sometimes problematic, with the music overpowering the voices; I noticed it in Part of Your World particularly.
Performance Critique
Acting
Great ensemble work! Everyone had a clearly defined character. I liked how Flotsam and Jetsam worked together, and Triton also had some nice moments but seemed overwhelmed physically by his costume (less may have been more for him). All the actors, from fish to unfortunate souls to octopus tentacles, showed commitment to what they were doing. Biggest compliments to the entire cast and crew who knew EXACTLY how to get on and off efficiently in each scene. That in and of itself is a huge undertaking. Great job!
The female leads were quite strong, particularly Ariel and Ursula. Both had strong voices and were committed to their roles. I appreciated Sebastian and the Chef trying for the accents the characters used in the film; while Sebastian was sometimes inconsistent, she was always understandable. I had more difficulty understanding Chef Louis; sometimes it's better to forgo or lighten the accent to make sure the audience can understand the lines. I was impressed with the large number of students in the ensemble ‐ they were well rehearsed and the harmonies were good. The special ensembles worked well together ‐ the waves, the tentacles, and the Poor Souls.
Choral Ensemble
Chorus looked great. But I couldn't hear anyone who didn't have a microphone, even some of the large groups, like the ocean girls (which I loved as a concept to get more kids in the show) and all the chefs. At one point the seagulls were off from the music; they weren't fully together in the dance. Ariel's sisters however had wonderful harmonies and great characters that distinguished them one from another.
Dance Ensemble
The choreography was overall within the ability of the ensembles. At least two of the actresses appeared to have dance training. Some of the steps were simple, as in Under the Sea, but were executed well.
The ocean movements were great, liked all the fish and how they moved in "Under the Sea," but the energy seemed really low at this performance. Wanted more from "She's in Love" as far as movement goes; they did everything well, but I expected a bigger number. I could see a lot of creative choreography in this show but it didn't always sparkle as it should.

Stage Direction
Loved the opening moment with the ship and the ocean girls. As I may have already stated, great concept all the way around (if only I could hear them better). Make sure that the balance of the taped music and the voices is correct. At times the music was much too loud for the performances. I liked the fabric for water; Ariel's transformation was very well done. The moment when Ariel gets her shell back from Ursula at the end wasn't very clear. Why was there no effect when Ursula was destroyed? She just sort of left and I was expecting more of a "wow" when that happened. You have an interesting dilemma: you set the bar very high with some of your technical choices. When the others moments don't match the quality of other moments, they seem lesser than they actually are. The show looked great, but it felt uneven because of this.

Noteworthy Actors
Abby White
Great vocally. Captured the wonder of the character very well. Great job! I loved your transformation moment. There were no apparent nerves for the costume switch‐well done. I think your biggest success was capturing the character and not completely mimicking the way everything was done in the original film. You stayed true to Ariel but still made her your own.
Emma Tedeschi
Urusla wowed me from her first entrance. Great vocal and character work. Not a hint of being worried about being wheeled in on that device or of the actors working her tentacles. Great work all the way around. There was a lot going on with your costume alone to have your focus pulled and you never lost it. I loved every moment you were on stage because you demanded the audience's attention in the best way possible.
Hallie Comer
You were so much fun to watch! Sebastian had good energy and a good relationship with Ariel. She made a good run at the Jamaican accent
(although it could have been more consistent in some places), but your movements and vocal choices were always committed to your character.. Her voice was good and she danced well. She definitely had fun with the role.

Shannon Lake
Those fins never stopped moving! Great commitment to character. You were definitely having fun up there,and you never let that costume overwhelm you (or you didn't let that show). Nice work! You had a good relationship with Sebastian and Ariel. Flounder is really a sidekick role and you played it well.
Specialty Ensembles - Ariel's Sisters
Ally Carlsten, Noelle Salisbury, Sarah Brusini, Katrina Plaziak, Maddie Jenkins, Petranea Smith
Great ensemble work. Harmonies were great!!! I wish there was a way to further distinguish which sister was which (other than name tags, I'm not sure how this could be done). While you were all distinct characters, you also blended well as a unit‐‐this is not easy to do. There were mic issues at the performance I attended, but if you were aware of them, you didn't let them through you off and you powered through.
NAME OF ADJUDICATOR: Marianne Phinney and Lisa Mento
DATE OF PRODUCTION VIEWED: 11/21/2014 and 11/22/14
NAME OF PERFORMING SCHOOL: Archie R. Cole Middle School
TITLE OF PRODUCTION: The Little Mermaid, Jr.

Technical Critique
Technical Design and Execution
Visually, this was a striking production, especially the set and costumes. The set pieces were really well executed. The ship was very effective. The use of the same piece for Triton's throne and Ursula's Lair made for quick scene changes plus the two areas looked totally different. The boat actually rocked ‐ nice job. In the kitchen, a ball‐room drop was used with a folding table; the drop seemed a little ornate for a kitchen but was fine for the court.
Costumes were very colorful and well done. I particularly liked the costumes for Flounder, Sebastian, and Ursula ‐ the use of actors as tentacles produced a great effect. I liked the seagulls' "feather" effect. The effect carried through to the fish puppets with lights on the manta rays. The Dr. Dentons on the frogs were cute. The performance that I saw had real challenges with the sound. There was quite a bit of breakup and static, and volume levels varied. Balance was sometimes problematic, with the music overpowering the voices; I noticed it in Part of Your World particularly.
Performance Critique
Acting
Great ensemble work! Everyone had a clearly defined character. I liked how Flotsam and Jetsam worked together, and Triton also had some nice moments but seemed overwhelmed physically by his costume (less may have been more for him). All the actors, from fish to unfortunate souls to octopus tentacles, showed commitment to what they were doing. Biggest compliments to the entire cast and crew who knew EXACTLY how to get on and off efficiently in each scene. That in and of itself is a huge undertaking. Great job!
The female leads were quite strong, particularly Ariel and Ursula. Both had strong voices and were committed to their roles. I appreciated Sebastian and the Chef trying for the accents the characters used in the film; while Sebastian was sometimes inconsistent, she was always understandable. I had more difficulty understanding Chef Louis; sometimes it's better to forgo or lighten the accent to make sure the audience can understand the lines. I was impressed with the large number of students in the ensemble ‐ they were well rehearsed and the harmonies were good. The special ensembles worked well together ‐ the waves, the tentacles, and the Poor Souls.
Choral Ensemble
Chorus looked great. But I couldn't hear anyone who didn't have a microphone, even some of the large groups, like the ocean girls (which I loved as a concept to get more kids in the show) and all the chefs. At one point the seagulls were off from the music; they weren't fully together in the dance. Ariel's sisters however had wonderful harmonies and great characters that distinguished them one from another.
Dance Ensemble
The choreography was overall within the ability of the ensembles. At least two of the actresses appeared to have dance training. Some of the steps were simple, as in Under the Sea, but were executed well.
The ocean movements were great, liked all the fish and how they moved in "Under the Sea," but the energy seemed really low at this performance. Wanted more from "She's in Love" as far as movement goes; they did everything well, but I expected a bigger number. I could see a lot of creative choreography in this show but it didn't always sparkle as it should.

Stage Direction
Loved the opening moment with the ship and the ocean girls. As I may have already stated, great concept all the way around (if only I could hear them better). Make sure that the balance of the taped music and the voices is correct. At times the music was much too loud for the performances. I liked the fabric for water; Ariel's transformation was very well done. The moment when Ariel gets her shell back from Ursula at the end wasn't very clear. Why was there no effect when Ursula was destroyed? She just sort of left and I was expecting more of a "wow" when that happened. You have an interesting dilemma: you set the bar very high with some of your technical choices. When the others moments don't match the quality of other moments, they seem lesser than they actually are. The show looked great, but it felt uneven because of this.

Noteworthy Actors
Abby White
Great vocally. Captured the wonder of the character very well. Great job! I loved your transformation moment. There were no apparent nerves for the costume switch‐well done. I think your biggest success was capturing the character and not completely mimicking the way everything was done in the original film. You stayed true to Ariel but still made her your own.
Emma Tedeschi
Urusla wowed me from her first entrance. Great vocal and character work. Not a hint of being worried about being wheeled in on that device or of the actors working her tentacles. Great work all the way around. There was a lot going on with your costume alone to have your focus pulled and you never lost it. I loved every moment you were on stage because you demanded the audience's attention in the best way possible.
Hallie Comer
You were so much fun to watch! Sebastian had good energy and a good relationship with Ariel. She made a good run at the Jamaican accent
(although it could have been more consistent in some places), but your movements and vocal choices were always committed to your character.. Her voice was good and she danced well. She definitely had fun with the role.

Shannon Lake
Those fins never stopped moving! Great commitment to character. You were definitely having fun up there,and you never let that costume overwhelm you (or you didn't let that show). Nice work! You had a good relationship with Sebastian and Ariel. Flounder is really a sidekick role and you played it well.
Specialty Ensembles - Ariel's Sisters
Ally Carlsten, Noelle Salisbury, Sarah Brusini, Katrina Plaziak, Maddie Jenkins, Petranea Smith
Great ensemble work. Harmonies were great!!! I wish there was a way to further distinguish which sister was which (other than name tags, I'm not sure how this could be done). While you were all distinct characters, you also blended well as a unit‐‐this is not easy to do. There were mic issues at the performance I attended, but if you were aware of them, you didn't let them through you off and you powered through.
