Writers: Cecilia Mooney & Missy Mooney
Director: Cecilia Mooney
Producer: Stories and More
Stories and More has opened their school holiday season of The Magic Paua Shell. Originally written by Cecilia Mooney in 2003, it was rewritten by Cecilia with daughter Missy Mooney in 2021 but the pandemic meant the show was postponed until now. The Universe works in mysterious ways, so seeing a play in 2023 that featured a coronation was rather apt.
The Magic Paua Shell follows the story of a mermaid named Princess Miriam who gets tossed from the ocean onto land following an earthquake. Her best friend, a crab named Prince JJ also ends up on the island and they embark on a quest to return home.
Stories and More’s ethos is to make live theatre accessible to children, whether onstage or backstage. The annual show provides an opportunity to showcase skills children have picked up in drama classes. The children have the support of young people and adults who help steer the action. This fail-safe formula ensures a smooth performance regardless of nerves or unexpected audience reactions.
The cast of 18 covered approximately 40 roles. This meant multiple costume changes and a chance to embody different personas from floaty sea life to charming native birds and strange bog-dwelling beings. The cast were well-rehearsed and confident.
The wonderful set was one of the most expansive seen in recent times at The Meteor. Stunning and atmospheric lighting from above and on stage helped create magical environments.
Claire Field’s costuming was superb, especially the native birds. The various sea creatures were innovative and instantly recognisable. Overall, the costumes were sparkly, quirky and fun.
Once again, Horomona Horo and Dr Jeremy Mayall delivered a masterpiece in music. Their combined efforts resulted in a complementary soundscape that enhanced the entire experience from beginning to end. Musically inclined theatregoers will appreciate the emotional resonance that was achieved.
Take a bow, Cecilia Mooney. Cecilia has written, directed and produced an charming play that should appeal to all ages. Given that the cast aged from 5 to 70+ years, the audience in this range should also find something to enjoy. Children will cherish the storytelling and magic of live theatre while adults will appreciate the numerous quickfire puns.
Some of the audience arrived dressed up in tutus or paua-themed attire. This is the perfect show to dust off princess, prince, mermaid, merman or bird costumes too. Anything goes at children’s theatre.
To quote a line from the play “Different things make different people happy.” The Magic Paua Shell has a multitude of reasons for making people happy – the cast, storyline, set, music, lighting, bubbles, costumes, flora, fauna, scientific facts, or indeed the themes of family, friendship and forgiveness. At the time of writing this review, the season was close to being sold out. Congratulations to Cecilia, Missy and everyone involved in The Magic Paua Shell.
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