There’s a singing mermaid, an underwater princess, and a magical map, all making the DC premiere of Spells of the Sea as mystical and enchanting as it gets for young audiences. But don’t be fooled — this play is filled with euphemisms that soften the reality of serious subjects like illness, referred to as “The Big Bad Sickness from the Big Bad Depths of the Sea,” and death, described as “The Misty Place.” At its heart, Spells of the Sea (music, lyrics, and book by Guinevere Govea with Anna Pickett, direction and choreography by Rachael Klein) explores the tidal waves of loss and transformation, with each scene touching the shores of our emotions and encouraging us to embrace change.
The play tells the story of Finley, a young girl on a quest to save her father by collecting three magical items: a bottle of kindness, a token of her worst fear, and the soul of a princess — all within 24 hours. This journey draws comparisons to other iconic musicals, particularly the Baker’s quest in Sondheim’s Into the Woods, where characters must gather specific items to break a curse. Both stories share an underlying message: despite loss, we find ways to move forward and create new connections and traditions.
While some compositions lean toward standard children’s show tunes, the Broadway-caliber talented cast — led by Brittney Mack’s remarkable vocal performances in the opening and closing scenes — elevates the production. A standout piece, sung by the company (Brittney Mack, Livvy Marcus, Lance Roberts, Ryan Knowles, Celia Mei Rubin, and Elisa Galindez), encourages children to “feel their feelings.” Another poignant moment occurs when the characters help each other not to drown in their fears. These themes combine to make Spells of the Sea not just a delightful children’s play but a conversation starter for all ages and a conduit for developing emotional intelligence.
Stephen Sondheim, the Father of the Modern American Musical, who died childless, once said, “Art is the other way of having children, of teaching.” The production team of Spells of the Sea embraces this idea, using their art to teach and inspire, opening the minds of young viewers and encouraging curiosity. This poignant, beautifully crafted piece of theater invites adults, with or without children, to reflect on their own lives, fears, and capacity for change.
Livvy Marcus’ portrayal of Finley Frankfurter, along with the setting, evokes another adventurous tale — Moana. Both characters are daring, venturing into the ocean to save what is most important to them. The sea serves as a backdrop in both stories, becoming another conduit for a young girl’s growth. However, scenic designer Jack Golden seems to hold back in this production. The static, sculpted blue waves on stage could be enhanced to evoke the ocean’s vastness and immersiveness — perhaps keeping the waves in a sort of constant motion? For the land scenes, the set could incorporate elements like sand, seashells, or even projections, if the space allows. The minimal set design leaves much of the atmosphere to the lighting and props. With over 500 light cues, the lighting design attempts to immerse the audience in the mystical world of the sea, though it often feels more functional than atmospheric. For adult viewers, the visual spectacle may not match the emotional stakes of the narrative, but this doesn’t seem to hold water where it matters: the whimsical sea animals, sound effects, and captivating songs still create moments of visual delight that keep the younger audience fully engaged.
The authors, Guinevere and Anna, are inspiring in their own right. Writing and producing Spells of the Sea during the COVID-19 pandemic while still in college is a remarkable feat. Their journey from college podcast producers to Kennedy Center playwrights is a testament to perseverance — working late nights, rewriting scripts, and never giving up despite the challenges they faced.
If you’re looking for a theater experience that blends fantasy with life’s most profound truths, and is touching for both children and adults, this is the play to see. As Finley’s father says, give change a big welcome.
Running Time: 60 minutes without an intermission.
Spells of the Sea plays through October 20, 2024, in the Family Theater at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets (starting at $25.30) online, at the box office, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or toll-free at (800) 444-1324.
The program for Spells of the Sea is online here.
Most enjoyed by ages 6 and up.
Note from the Producer: This production has partnered with Experience Camps, a national award-winning nonprofit that works to normalize grief for young people and teens. We know that grief is something we all deal with. We hope Spells of the Sea can be an exciting performance that also shares a map for how to work through these big emotions.
COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. Read more about the Kennedy Center’s mask policy here.
