Heritage High School actors are bringing Disney's tale of "The Little Mermaid" off the screen to the school's theater stage Nov. 16-17. The musical production, titled "The Little Mermaid Junior," shows at 6 p.m. both nights.
The story features a young mermaid named Ariel who longs to leave the sea and become part of the real world. In order to achieve her dream she must capture the heart of her beloved prince before the sea witch Ursula banishes her back to the sea. The show's 43 student actors range from mermaids to seagulls to a lobster to fish to water waves, a prince, sea witch, sea king and more.
Well-known songs from the movie including "Kiss the Girl," "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" being re-created by the singing troupe of actors will sound very similar to the characters in the Disney movie, said Heritage High School Productions choral and theater director Amy Carter. The school show runs 90 minutes.
"I would love to see everybody come out," said Carter. "Our theater seats 900, so we have plenty of room for all. We have really talented actors. I'm excited to see them shine."
Heritage art teacher Lauren Peters and her art students have been creating artistic backdrops for the scenes.
"The opening number is 'The Ship.' The audience will immediately notice the creation of the water illusion," said Carter. "A sea chorus creates the flowing water [using blue flags and flowing blue dresses]. We will use the sea chorus on the floor and on the stage to create a water effect."
By incorporating comic relief actors, singers and good characterization, the show will appeal to all ages, she said
"I'm loving the costumes," said Carter. "The parents and grandparents really stepped up this year to help."
The actors began rehearsing eight weeks ago in order to bring to the stage a spectacular production.
"It's really fun working with the kids in middle school and seeing them turn into great performers in high school," said Carter. "Some of the actors are in their seventh show and others are in their first show, so it's a good mix. It's going to be a great show."
From under the sea to the stage
Tickets to "The Little Mermaid Junior" are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased inside the Heritage High School front office during school hours or at the box office the night of the show. Show dates and times are Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Matinees will also be presented to local schools. On Saturday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. "Muffins with Mermaids" will take place when children can enjoy muffins and juice with the mermaids from the show.
•To read more of the synopsis of "The Little Mermaid Junior" visit www.mtishows.com and key in the show title.