The moment you walk into the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, you are immediately transported into the nostalgic world of Disney. Produced by the female-led production company, MM Creative Productions, allows for the timeless music of Disney films to come to life in a mesmerising way.
Amy Manford and Genevieve McCarthy, who founded the company in 2020, following the success of a sold-out Disney 100 Concert in 2023, prove that this stunning show will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences well into 2025. For approximately two hours, you are immersed in the highlights of Disney, with recognizable songs that resonate with both adults and kids, making this a family friendly event that everyone can enjoy.
All of the classic songs came to life, encapsulating the trusted spirit of Disney, with the powerful Sydney Philharmonic Choir and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the incredibly talented Jessica Gethin. An award-winning conductor whose repertoire spans everything from ballet to film scores, Gethin effortlessly led the magic, guiding the audience through the iconic Disney scores with remarkable grace and precision.
The score Battle with the Forces of Evil from Sleeping Beauty was an orchestra-only excerpt that beautifully exhibited the orchestra’s full range. With Gethin admitting herself, “Who could play a battle better than the Sydney Symphony Orchestra?” – it’s clear that the orchestra brought something truly special to the performance.
The glitz and glam of the eye-catching costumes varied throughout the show, adding a sense of interest and vividness, while embodying the essence of Disney’s beloved characters. The attention to detail in the costumes truly brought the characters to life, offering an additional layer of visual enchantment to the entire experience.
Ruva Ngwenya, the star from the Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, showcased her deep and powerful vocals with the upbeat Zero to Hero from Hercules and excerpts from The Lion King. Joshua Robson, who has enjoyed a successful on-stage career, recently performing in Quasimodo the Musical, and other stellar shows including The Phantom of the Opera and Shrek the Musical. Robson displayed incredible vocals, perfectly capturing the humour of Ursula in The Little Mermaid with his rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls, both vocalists left the audience both amused and in awe.
Take a seat and let yourself fall into the magical Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty, or ride along the turbulent waves of Moana. But don’t forget to bundle up for Frozen. The show is surrounded by a stellar light show designed by Peter Rubie, allowing the audience to feel like an integral part of the performance.
The addition of iconic Disney film footage as a stunning background helps to add context to the music, providing an additional visual point of reference that enhances the entire experience.
Prepare to go under the sea in the iconic Part of Your World with the incredible Amy Manford, a classically trained opera singer, who has toured with the world-renowned Andrea Bocelli and is known for her unforgettable performance as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera. Manford’s rendition of this beloved Disney song was nothing short of breathtaking.
Nick Afoa, who recently completed the Australian tour of Miss Saigon, truly blew the audience away with his performance. Afoa’s strong baritone brought the character of Maui from Moana to life, with the fan-favourite You’re Welcome, his voice resonating throughout the concert hall. Grammy nominated Christine Allado performed with grace and care, capturing the whimsical elements of Colours of the Wind from Pocahontas, delivering a truly impactful performance.
Overall, it is conclusive to say that this concert is well-loved and a must-see for anyone who appreciates the magic of Disney, live performances, and stunning musicality. Whether you are a Disney fanatic, a fan of live music, or someone looking for a family-friendly experience, this show is a magical journey that will leave you humming Disney classics long after the curtain falls. It is, without a doubt, an unforgettable celebration of music, theatre, and nostalgia that will captivate audiences for years to come.
Disney in Concert: Live at the Sydney Opera House
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Performance: Thursday 13 March 2025
Concerts continues to Saturday 15 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.mmcreativeproductions.com
Disney in Concert will also be presented at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne from Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March 2025. For more information, visit: www.mso.com.au for details.
Images: Disney in Concert – photo by Jarrad Seng | Joshua Robson and Amy Manford – photo by Jarrad Seng | Ruva Ngwenya – photo by Jarrad Seng | Nick Afoa – photo by Jarrad Seng | Christine Allado, Amy Manford, Ruva Ngwenya and Nick Afoa – photo by Jarrad Seng
Review: Alexa Hafner Keelan