Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., presented by Southern Cross Catholic College - Townsville Civic Theatre, May 22 and 23 2026
- thesneeview
- May 22
- 3 min read
Southern Cross Catholic College once again reinforces its reputation for delivering high-quality musical theatre with its vibrant and engaging production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Under the assured direction of Cat Edwards, this production is a visually striking and musically polished achievement, showcasing the immense talent and collaborative spirit of its cast and crew.
From the opening curtain to the final bow, the show captures the audience with immersive storytelling, rich colour, inventive costuming, and a dynamic score. The staging fluidly transitions between the underwater kingdom and the human world, creating a theatrical experience that is both cohesive and magical.
At the heart of the production is Josnah Jossy as Ariel, who delivers a standout performance. Her vocal ability is exceptional: her solos are precise, powerful, and of a calibre comparable to professional productions. Beyond her vocal strength, Jossy brings authenticity to Ariel’s curiosity and determination, effectively anchoring the story. Her chemistry with Prince Eric, played by Miles Venables, is convincing, with Venables portraying a sincere and likeable counterpart whose journey complements Ariel’s own.
Matthew Snee offers a dynamic and engaging Sebastian, successfully balancing comedic timing with the character’s responsibilities as Ariel’s reluctant guardian. His performance in “Under the Sea” is particularly noteworthy. Aeon Ventura De Andrade’s King Triton brings authority and tension to the role, providing a strong counterbalance to Ariel’s rebellious spirit. Charlotte Hiddins shines as Flounder, capturing the character’s anxious loyalty, while Hannah Magnani’s Scuttle injects humour and charm, celebrating human curiosities with infectious enthusiasm.
Kionha Melick delivers a commanding performance as Ursula, embodying the villain with confidence and theatrical flair. Her portrayal achieves exactly what it should: audiences are captivated by her presence while delighting in her villainy. Supporting her are her hissing hench-eels Darcy Bonell and Tilly Denniss as Flotsam and Jetsam, whose performances enhance the sinister tone.
The ensemble is another major strength of the production. The six mersisters - Matilda Quintemeyer, Thea Griffiths, Jaeda Flores, Maya Andrews, Zara Molachino, and Georgia Thygesen - bring energy, cohesion, and humour, particularly through their playful and deliberately off-key contributions in role as the princesses in “The Contest”.
Additional performances of note include: Millie Lines as Grimsby who navigates a delicate balancing act of loyalty to Prince Eric and the expectations of the kingdom; Dendy Sanderson as Chef Louis in one of the show’s funniest scenes (and a near-death experience for another); Kaydance Marshall as Carlotta, and Ben Ryan as Pilot.
The choreography, led by Mackenzie Hocking and Lara Stewart, is well-executed and enhances the storytelling, supported by a synchronised and energetic ensemble. Vocally, the production is equally strong, with Claire Davies’ direction evident in the polished and harmonious sound across the cast.
Visually, the production is impressive. Costuming by Peta Hinchliff and Janice Beavis is detailed and imaginative, contributing significantly to the world-building. Set and props, coordinated by Veronica Horn and her team, are thoughtfully designed, with numerous subtle embellishments that enrich the overall aesthetic.
The Little Mermaid Jr is a delightful and well-rounded performance that appeals to audiences of all ages, and with only two shows scheduled tonight and tomorrow night (commencing 7:30pm), you’d be barnacle brained to miss this sea-lightful dive into the deep!
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