Disney's Little Mermaid Jr. Swims Under the Stars
Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 32nd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes its offerings with “Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.,” performed by students from its Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, August 11-13.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.
With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glen Slater, the score includes such familiar favorites as “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
Directed and choreographed by MAR Artistic Director Lauren Nicole Sherwood (Stamford), “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” features a talented cast of more than 40 young area performers. Ciara Cuneo (Patterson, NY) portrays Ariel, joined by Michael Almeida (Danbury) as her father, King Triton. Ethan Smith (Bethel) is Sebastian, Curtis Rodriguez (Danbury) is Flounder and Anna Marie Hickey (Danbury) is Scuttle. Vincent Fontenelli is Prince Eric (Danbury) and Ethan Berger (Danbury) is Grimsby, his guardian. Emily Segal (Southbury) portrays the evil Ursula.
Rounding out the company in a variety of roles are: Madison Flamme, Sara Heinen and Hannah McGuire (Bethel); Amanda Bothwell, Julia Buzzi, Liliana Calipa, Chiara Chavana, Rianne Chiarello, Nicole DeMotte, Kaylee Drago, Conner Duhamel, Robert Fontenelli, Tatiana Frouge, Sierra Geoffrion, Brianna Granchelli, Emma Jardim, Mila Kulian, Jenna McManus, Mia Pineault, Haley Pucci, Caroline Stanton, Alyssa Suarez, Jenna Vieux, Erik Wallin, Tenley Wallin, Ryan Wunsch and Kayla Zottola (Danbury); Paige Socol (Fairfield); Guiliana Carretta, Kiley Castle, Lauren Sturm and Molly Tarnowsi (New Fairfield); Alexa Glynn and Alexandra Knaggs (Newtown); Tara Stanley (Roxbury); and Amelia Rosen and Matthew Segal (Southbury).
The creative team also includes Richter veterans Caitlin Mandracchia (Sherman) as musical director and Katie Girardot (New Milford) as stage manager.
“Little Mermaid, Jr.” is performed at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for this summer youth performance cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students (with ID), and $5 for children under 10. Tickets may be made reserved through the Musicals at Richter website (www.musicalsatrichter.org) or purchased at the door. Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:00 p.m. (please note earlier show time). Chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.
Now in its 32nd season at Richter Park, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances take place at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals and workshop performances produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.