Madagascar Jr
Adelaide Youth Theatre
TICKETS: End of Season
Adelaide Youth Theatre’s Madagascar JR is led by a team of
familiar AYT creatives stepping into new roles, with Noah Magourilos as
Director, Elliott Purdie as Musical Director, Riley Mobbs as Assistant
Director, and Kyle Mobbs as Choreographer. Despite this being their first time
in these positions, the team demonstrates clear creative vision and capability,
delivering an energetic and cohesive production that highlights a strong pool
of emerging talent. While there are moments where refinement could further
strengthen pacing and transitions, their work overall reflects a confident and
promising directorial voice.
Based on the DreamWorks animated film—now over 20 years
old—the production proves the story’s enduring appeal. This is particularly
evident in the enthusiastic response from younger audiences, who remain engaged
throughout, reinforcing the show’s relevance and charm for a new generation.
Steak Cast – (22nd April, 1pm)
Patrick Moore brings strong characterisation to Alex the
Lion, confidently stepping into the role of the self-proclaimed King of New
York. His performance of “Steak,” supported by a well-energised ensemble, is a
standout moment that’s genuinely fun to watch and easy to get caught up in.
Maree Fong’s Marty the Zebra is vibrant and full of life,
delivering boundless energy, attitude, and endearing naivety. She fully commits
to the role, showcasing her triple-threat capabilities with confidence and
clarity throughout.
Maisie Lewis shines as Gloria the Hippo, offering a warm,
commanding presence and strong vocal delivery. Alongside her, Ethan Anderson’s
Melman the Giraffe provides excellent comic contrast; his shifts between
anxious awkwardness and unexpectedly cool composure in moments of panic are
particularly well handled and add depth to the character.
As a central quartet, Moore, Fong, Lewis, and Anderson work
cohesively to sustain the show’s high-energy tone. Their chemistry is evident,
and they maintain focus and momentum, even navigating the challenges of
audience interaction and frequent auditorium entrances and exits—especially
with a lively young crowd in attendance.
Alejandro Jimenez sets the tone early as King Julien,
engaging the audience from the pre-show and carrying that energy into a
charismatic performance. His strong accent work and commitment to the character
elevate numbers like “Welcome to Me” and “I Like to Move It,” bringing a
vibrant party atmosphere. Madeline Tobin-Fong’s Mort is a delightful
counterpart, with a playful physicality and memorable stage presence that
balances sweetness with comedic timing.
The penguin quartet—Olive Maycock (Skipper), Steph Lister (Kowalski), Milly Lewis (Private), and Lara Szoboszlai (Rico)—deliver a cohesive and entertaining performance. Each brings distinct character choices, yet they function seamlessly as a unified group, driving their subplot with clarity, precision, and plenty of humour.
Sushi Cast – (25th April, 1pm)
Thomas White delivers a standout performance as Alex,
combining sharp comic timing with a confident and charismatic stage presence.
He captures both the bravado and underlying vulnerability of the character,
giving Alex a well-rounded and engaging arc. White’s command of the stage is
evident throughout, and he leads the with assurance, making him a compelling
focal point of the production.
Sophie Genery’s
Marty is a vibrant and engaging presence throughout, driven by boundless energy
and a strong sense of character. From her opening moments, she captures
attention with confident physicality and a playful spirit that feels true to
Marty’s adventurous nature. Genery sustains this energy, balancing humour with
genuine heart.
Chloe Day
delivers a confident and well-rounded performance as Gloria, bringing strength
and warmth to the role. She establishes a clear presence on stage, ensuring
Gloria remains memorable. Day’s character work is consistent and considered,
balancing humour with grounded sincerity. She works effectively alongside her
fellow leads, contributing to a cohesive ensemble, while also allowing Gloria’s
more assured and self-possessed nature to shine through.
Joel Howis
delivers a thoughtful and engaging performance as Melman, working seamlessly to
build strong onstage chemistry. His character choices are clear and committed,
bringing both humour and relatability to the role. Particularly effective is
his ability to navigate Melman’s shifts between cautious anxiety and moments of
unexpected confidence, creating a dynamic and believable character arc.
Keira Wubbolts stands out as King Julien, bringing charisma,
humour, and impressive physicality to the role. Her confident audience
interaction adds an extra layer of engagement, while her much-loved
splits—reprised in the curtain call—highlight both her commitment and the
production’s playful tone.
Matthew Trotta
delivers an entertaining performance as Maurice, embracing the character’s
melodramatic flair. His character is clear and heightened in a way that suits
the tone of the show, allowing him to draw strong comedic moments without
losing control.
The penguin trio of Elaynah Magourilos (Skipper), Bethany
Swift (Private), and Rubi McFarlane (Rico) bring a fun and cohesive energy to
their scenes, maintaining strong pacing and clarity in their storytelling.
Alongside them, Steph Lister’s Kowalski provides a steady and complementary
presence across both casts, helping to unify the group’s dynamic.
A mix of the dual
casts make up the dance track, providing strong, engaging movement and
well-defined character work throughout the production, including as the Foosa
and various lemurs. Their energy and commitment add depth to the ensemble
scenes, helping to maintain momentum and visual interest across the show.
Mobbs’ choreographic work is dynamic and thoughtfully tailored to the
performers, marking it as something to keep an eye on within the Adelaide
theatre scene in the future.
Aside from
the on-stage talent, a shoutout needs to go to the costume team, led by Koroli
Magourilos, and the makeup team, uncredited in the program. Together, they
elevate the production to another level.
The
backstage crew, managed by Summa Arrizza, perform their duties with diligence
and accuracy, providing minimal disruption throughout the fast-moving pace of
the show. There were some auditory issues during the sessions. However, the
lighting design looks great, designed by Jay Lawrence, and the execution by
Sophie Hill, along with Heidi Allen and Olivia Emmett on the follow spot are
spot on.
- Andrew Broadbent
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