A group of teenagers is preparing to entertain audiences with the production of Disney’s Dare to Dream JR., which will run from September 30 to October 11 at the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown, Johannesburg.
The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) will present the South African premiere of the musical show 'Disney’s Dare to Dream JR.' over 60 minutes. Eighteen teenagers aged 13 to 18 will participate in the production, performing over 20 songs from Disney's century-long musical history.
The performance combines beloved classic works from Disney's golden age, such as 'Snow White' and 'Pinocchio,' alongside modern hits from animated films like 'Moana,' 'Coco,' 'Frozen,' 'Encanto,' 'Leopold,' and 'The Lion King.'
Created by Disney Theatrical Group, 'Dare to Dream JR.' celebrates the centenary of Disney music and explores themes of ambition, self-identity, creativity, and the courage to follow one's dreams. The story follows a group of young 'Junior Imagineers' arriving on their first day at the legendary Imagineering studios of The Walt Disney Company.
Working together, they discover how dreams can inspire, connect, and transform people. The musical features songs including 'When You Wish Upon a Star,' 'Be Our Guest,' 'A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,' 'Hakuna Matata,' 'The Bare Necessities,' 'Let It Go,' 'You've Got a Friend in Me,' 'A Piece of Your World,' 'How Far I'll Go,' 'Friend Like Me,' 'Surface Pressure,' 'Try Everything,' 'Remember Me,' 'Go the Distance,' and 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King.'
According to the production team, the show goes beyond simply repeating familiar songs. At the heart of 'Dare to Dream JR.' is a story of growing up, finding one's identity, and realizing one's future. It touches upon themes of big dreams, self-belief, collaboration, perseverance, creativity, and imagination.
Director of 'Dare to Dream,' Ivo Jones, noted: 'Every song in this show is one you already know and love; some date back to when Walt Disney first started working. Our job is simply to remind you why.'
He added that the main message of the show is that a person can dream of who they want to become.
Jones believes the production will appeal to both adults and children. He emphasized that the children will dance, sing, and play while telling the story of realizing their wishes. Unlike traditional Disney shows featuring a single protagonist, this production focuses on a group of young people finding their way.
Ivo Jones also stated that NCT aims both to educate and entertain, and the show celebrates the creative spirit of every young person. This production marks another stage in the partnership between the National Children’s Theatre and Disney Theatrical Group, with whom it previously presented 'The Lion King JR.' to the South African public.
Belinda Hermeshuisen, NCT's Chief Operating Officer, commented that 'Dare to Dream JR.' embodies all the theatre's values. She said: 'These are stories and songs that children throughout Gauteng already hold in their hearts, and when they hear them live, performed by young students their age, on a real stage, something changes. They begin to see themselves differently and believe that the stage can belong to them too. That is why we do this work at NCT, and why this production is important.'