STAGE 37

hummable tunes.

Choreographer White captivates with a kind and gracious spirit and pleasantly lilting voice as the Mermaid. Author Govea effortlessly captures Finley’s spirit of adventure and insecurities. Govea has a lovely voice and is clearly in a comfortable range. Physically and verbally expressive, her reactions come across appealingly natural and appropriate for the character’s age. Jon Gentry, as H.S. Crank, offers a gentle baritone and exudes underlying warmth and care even in his most curmudgeon-like moments. Colin McLaughlin is nurturing and protective as Finley’s father Ferris, and Noah Laster and Molly Burris are among the ensemble standouts.

The entire show is lifted up by the inventive and often whimsical scenic design of Margery and Peter Spack, complemented by lighting and sound design from Jayson M. Lawshee and Rusty Wandall. The fluid movements of being on or in a large body of water are expertly conveyed through the combination of design, lighting, sound and movement.

Though warm and welcoming, the musical features a story and themes that touch on profound loss as well as the insecurities of youth as they begin to better understand the world and establish their independence. As such, the show may be a bit too much for sensitive individuals or children younger than eight or nine. Crafted with an eye to kindness and hope, the enchanting Spells of the Sea proves a thoroughly engaging and uplifting new musical for family audiences. n