Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Disney’s The Little Mermaid on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre September 10, 11, and 12 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at rentickets.org.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be offered Saturday, September 11 at 1 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated. Looking for sensory-friendly tickets? Visit: https://bit.ly/SFLittleMermaidPR
Disney’s The Little Mermaid tells the story of a young mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her underwater friends, Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is based upon one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film. A hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages, the musical features such irresistible songs as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
“The story is loosely based on elements from the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, however the musical script more fully embraces the power of family relationships. While The Little Mermaid focuses on the primary character, Disney has focused on the loving relationship of siblings and family, which allows the audience to see the vulnerability of the characters as they try to protect Ariel. As a result, the story conveys a more universal message for the audience. An additional layer of memorable music created by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater and the late Howard Ashman, for both the film and Broadway, seamlessly adds to the epic tale,” shares Maloney. “Disney pieces never disappoint—and, as is expected, there’s an almost magical, lyrical aspect to Disney’s The Little Mermaid. And, of course, we have the good fortune to have very talented young performers to tell this story, so families will love the experience!”
The cast is composed of nearly 50 students ages 7-18 from the following schools: Ashland City, Big Walnut High School, Clearfork, Crestview, Edgewood, Galion, Homeschool, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Spanish Immersion, Ohio Virtual Academy, Ontario, Pioneer CTC Performing Arts, Richland School of Academic Arts, Shelby, Springmill Elementary, The University of Akron, Wooster, and Wynford High School.
The cast is led by Kadelyn Becker and Cassandra Kurek as Ariel, as well as Zavier Alterio and Alex Snodgrass performing in the role of Prince Eric. The roles of King Triton and Chef Louis will be played by Ian Barnes and Padraig Browning and Drew Owens; with the role of Ursula, the Sea Witch played by Morgan Bartholomew. Scuttle will be portrayed by Madison Kearney, with Alyssa Racer and Graycen Stevens as Flounder. Darius Darmody and Grayden Pierce will play the roles of Sebastian and Grimsby, respectively; with Gillian and Isla Donley playing Flotsam and Jetsam.
The cast also includes Taylor Beasley, Ellie Hicks, Stella Powers, Olivia Slaubaugh, Hayley Sleek, and Ariella Waters as the Mersisters; with Lilly McCready and Emma Secrist as Leeward and Windward. The ensemble will be comprised of: Tilia Ames, Lillien Christian, Tiegan Franta, Alaina Hawkins, Owen Hosfeld, McKinnley King, Steliana Kruer, Makayla Lawrence, Jackie Metz, Marek Powers, Carlie Schnittke, Caroline Secrist, Alex Trolian, Shirah Waters, Alyssa Woodmansee, and Makenzie Wynn.
Children’s Chorus members include Violet Ames, Breah Boyd, Isabella Crow, Lucy Enyeart, Emersyn Henderson, Maeley Hiner, Nakiyah Johnson, Audrey King, Nicholas Spoon, Reagan Swords, and Evelyn Walter.
Based upon Disney’s 1989 Academy Award-winning animated film of the same name, The Little Mermaid debuted on Broadway on January 10, 2008. The musical features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. The book for the show was written by Doug Wright. The Broadway production was directed by Francesca Zambello, and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, and played for a total of 685 performances before closing on August 30. 2009. The show has been recognized with numerous theatre awards internationally, including having been nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Grammy Awards. The Disney film was written by Ron Clements and John Musker.
For additional information regarding the MY Theatre production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid visit rentickets.org or call the box office at 419-522-2726.
The Renaissance Theatre is a performing arts theater located at 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio. Looking for Things to Do in Mansfield? Visit Renaissance Theatre’s website at rentickets.org to check out their other great events or contact [email protected] for events, tours, arts, culture and more. For behind-the-scenes videos and more visit the Renaissance Theatre’s YouTube Channel.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
