Big changes for ‘Little Mermaid’
Christian Youth Theater production features new characters, songs
Janelle Harriman, 16, gets her makeup done during a rehearsal for “The Little Mermaid.” Harriman will play the part of Cha-Cha the Lobster.
Friday, November 5, 2010
In the midst of a shipwreck, Ariel rescues Prince Eric and falls in love with him. Ariel’s desire to be with the prince convinces her to trade her voice for legs. Her father, King Neptune, played by 17-year-old Ethan Morrow, must sacrifice his title as king to his sister Octavia, the sea witch. Much trouble and heartache is endured for the young mermaid to learn her lesson and attain her happy ending.
“There are a lot of different messages. One of the biggest is for parents to listen to their kids because it’s important we’re invested in their lives. If our kids have something to tell us, then it’s important that we listen,” Director Jeff McHenry said. “It’s also about forgiveness. Ariel had to forgive herself, and a father had to forgive his daughter.”
The family-themed musical also reflects CYT’s goal of family involvement in its productions.
CYT, founded in 1981 in San Diego, aims to develop character in children ages 4 to 18 through training in the arts via after-school programs and by producing wholesome family entertainment.
CYT offers theater arts classes for children every fall, winter and spring session that teach and train enrolled students in drama, voice, dance and other areas of arts and entertainment. Students ages 8 to 18 are encouraged to audition for roles in productions.
“All of our productions are a joint family adventure,” Vancouver Coordinator Lynette Carver said. “This is how we’re able to develop productions is such a short time.”
Parents are responsible for building sets and designing costumes while kids are responsible for spotlights, lighting, backstage work and acting.
“Our kids are working hard to make sure this is their production,” Carver said.
A cast and crew of 93 kids younger than 18 years old are gearing up to bring the tale of the Little Mermaid to stage at Fort Vancouver High School’s auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 and continuing through Nov. 14.
With opening night fast approaching, families came together to wrap up preparations that began in late September.
“The Little Mermaid” fans have memorized Ariel’s lobster friend Sebastian’s tune “Under the Sea” and her guppy friend’s constant reminders in “Part of Your World,” but this production will surprise audiences with all new songs and different characters.
Along with a new king and sea witch, in place of Sebastian is Cha Cha the lobster, and Flounder is replaced by Guppy.
McHenry, who has directed and choreographed previous CYT productions such as “Annie,” “Aladdin,” and “Sound of Music,” oversaw the construction of new song lyrics and orchestration of the musical numbers.
Songs include “What’s Your Name?” “I Can’t Believe My Eyes,” “May I Have This Dance?” “That Voice” and “At the Bottom of the Sea.”
“The costuming and makeup is incredible,” McHenry said. “I’ve never worked with a show with such specialized effects. The kids are all trained for this.”
The show is expected to run for approximately one hour and 45 minutes with an intermission.
Because the theater only seats approximately 480 guests, CYT encourages audiences to purchase tickets online in advance.
“It’s going to be a fun show,” McHenry said. “It’s not only for kids, but there’s also a great message for adults as well. We just hope to provide a good show and entertainment.”
