Young, Talented & Theatre Obsessed

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up loving theatre—and then find yourself starring in a big musical before you’ve even left your teens? We sat down with Ruby Proy and Jack Thompson, two standout performers bringing Ariel and Prince Eric to life in Windmill Theatre Company’s The Little Mermaid Jr., and trust us—their stories are just as inspiring as their onstage performances.

 

🎭The Little Mermaid Jr

📍Rowville Performing Arts Centre 🗓️9 - 12 April

🎟️windmilltheatre.com.au

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., is splashing onto the stage at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre these April school holidays. This enchanting one-act musical brings the beloved underwater world of Ariel and her friends to life, reimagining the magic of the iconic Disney film and Broadway adaptation in a vibrant, family-friendly format.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, the story follows Ariel, a curious and adventurous young mermaid who dreams of living on land. With unforgettable songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this heartwarming tale of courage, love, and self-discovery offers a perfect introduction to the magic of live theatre—especially for younger children, with a run time of just one hour.

The production features a dynamic cast of 57 young performers aged 10 to 18, showcasing a remarkable level of talent, energy, and commitment. Ruby leads the cast as Ariel, bringing experience from productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, School of Rock, and Mamma Mia, along with television credits. Starring opposite her is Jack as Prince Eric, whose stage presence adds depth and charm to the role.

RUBY PROY

A passionate performer from a young age, Ruby has built an impressive resume, including roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Panorama), School of Rock, The Wizard of Oz, and Mamma Mia at Padua College. She has also worked in television, appearing in Savage River (ABC) as Young Miki and set to appear in The Survivors (Netflix) as Teenage Olivia. Beyond acting, Ruby is a singer-songwriter and fronts her own alternative pop band, MissFortune. Now playing her dream role, Ruby is excited to bring Ariel’s story to life and share this magical experience with audiences.

 

JACK THOMPSON An accomplished young performer who has been on stage since the age of six. Jack’s credits include Alice by Heart, Heathers: Teen Edition, Shrek Jr., Newsies Jr., The SpongeBob Musical (earning a Lyrebird Youth Award), and Beauty and the Beast (Windmill Theatre Company). He recently made his directorial debut with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. and has worked behind the scenes on productions like State School Spectacular 2023. A dedicated performer and theatre enthusiast, Jack is excited to bring Prince Eric to life in this magical production.

 

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