Come be “Part of Our World” as Summer Stage Children’s Theatre journeys “Under the Sea” with Ariel and friends in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”
Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” will make a splash with audiences July 31-Aug. 2.
In “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” Ariel (Kaitlin Fanelli of Marlton), longs to leave her ocean home to live in the human world. But first, she defies her father, King Triton (Alec Pizarro of Berlin), makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Megan Kennedy of Deptford), and must convince Prince Eric (Joey Campbell of Deptford) that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Along the way, Ariel receives help from her friends Sebastian (Sara Todd of Deptford), Skuttle (Samantha Starkey of Berlin) and Flounder (Jeffrey Redwanowski of Gloucester Township ). Brooke Shellock, director, is thrilled with the opportunity to direct the 70 cast members appearing in “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”
“It is exciting that Mainstage is doing a production of “The Little Mermaid” for the 25th anniversary season because this show was recently released for children’s theater and it is the first time Mainstage is presenting it. This being my 14th year at Summer Stage (as camper and every level of directing staff), I am thoroughly enjoying reminiscing about old shows, but it’s also pretty cool that we are creating brand new memories in the same year,” said Shellock.
“In honor of the 25th anniversary, Ariel’s grotto will be stocked with an item from each show that Summer Stage has done. Old Summer Stagers, their parents, and anyone who has ever seen a Summer Stage show before will be able to find a representation of their favorite show somewhere in the set and enjoy a bit of reminiscing of their own from the audience. We will also have a life-sized ship and a cameo appearance from the other Disney princesses!”
Tickets are $9 for children/senior citizens and $10 for adults.
Sign interpretation is available at the Thursday morning show for groups. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org or call 227–3091. The remaining season includes “Magic Up Our Sleeve,” sponsored by Harry Morgan, D.C., Aug.7–9. For “The Little Mermaid” performances, children who dress as a prince or princess will receive a ticket for one free item from the concession stand.
