Freeze Frame Opera will delight your inner child with their re-telling of The Little Prince, bringing the themes of the classic story to life with WA Young Voices Choristers.
The youthful presence among the audience and in the chorus reminded me not to take life too seriously. I must admit, going into this show I wasn’t sure I would get anything out of it. There were kids in the audience and the light whispers I could hear at the start of the performance made me take a while to settle into the experience. Perhaps this is expected as a childfree person in a room full of kids; I wouldn’t know as I avoid that scenario usually. However, knowing that it was probably the first theatre experience for many viewers, and possibly some of the performers too, it brought me great joy knowing that this show was fuelling the passions of tomorrow’s artists and arts lovers. After all, isn’t that why I’m here writing this in the first place? To encourage creators and promote the arts scene in Perth?
The Little Prince presented by Freeze Frame Opera.
In the first act, as the chorus of stars descend the aisles, all my reservations about my decision to attend this show fell away. It became quickly apparent to me that the point is to just create an experience and enjoy it. The Pilot, played by Teddy Tahu Rhodes delivered a charming baritone performance while also maintaining a guiding presence for the young actors and the band. To see such a seasoned performer with little stars (pun intended) just gives you the warm and fuzzies.
Camille Alonso’s portrayal of The Little Prince perfectly implicated the obscurity of grown-ups from the perspective of a child. We really are strange creatures who take life too seriously. The grown-up actors managed to capture the playful spirit too, in particular Rachelle Durkin’s characterisation of The Rose. She was coy and dainty in a humorous way that had the audience laughing throughout.
The Little Prince presented by Freeze Frame Opera.
The set design had just enough detail to make the show feel well put together, without taking away from the light and playful themes of the story. The King’s crown resembling a primary school art project as a yellow piece of card cut into triangle peaks with stars drawn all over it, gave just the right touch of silly to the polished set.
You will want to take your kids to this one, the relaxed atmosphere of the Octagon theatre made it an easy setting for early forays into theatre which I’m sure will become a lifelong appreciation for anyone who ends up going. If a bitter and serious childfree grown up like me can end up enjoying this show, then anyone can.
The Little Prince presented by Freeze Frame Opera runs from November 24-25 at The Octagon Theatre.