'The Little Mermaid' Swims onto Elgin Stage With an Enormous Cast
Children's Theatre of Elgin adapts the Hans Christian Andersen tale, “The Little Mermaid,” and brings it to the Hemmens Cultural Center, October 20 to 23. More than 100 children, ages seven to 15, will act, sing and dance to this musical version of the popular fairy tale. Two 9:45 a.m. performances on, October 20 and 21 are for school groups, while evening performances Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. are public performances.
The script, written by R. Eugene Jackson, and adapted and directed by Jen Prise, uses the music of modern rock voices, including, Billy Joel, Enya, Katy Perry, and Kelly Clarkson. More than a dozen songs recount the underwater journey, entertaining the audience with original lyrics to familiar melodies.
This lively production puts a hilarious comedic spin on the traditional romantic tale. The story centers around a beautiful mermaid who falls in love with a young prince, she saves from drowning. She yearns to be a woman – a real woman – with legs, so that she may marry him. The mermaid agrees to give up her most prized possession to the evil sea witch to achieve her goal, but things are not that simple. The handsome prince is engaged to another girl, and the mermaid is betrayed by the sea witch! Mythical sea creatures and an amazing set will make the aquatic adventure fun for all ages.
The huge cast, comprised of 111 students from local area schools, all of whom have successfully auditioned for their roles in the production. Most CTE productions boast a cast of 75-90 students. This is certainly over the top!!! “'The Little Mermaid' is a wonderful experience for children of all ages,” said Jen Prise, the shows director. “The cast members learn what it means to be part of a professional production and perform in front of a live audience.”
While the cast works on stage, parents are busy behind the scenes creating costumes, painting sets, manning the concession stands, including homemade baked goods, and handling ticket sales and publicity.
“My child has learned so much and gained a great deal of confidence participating in the CTE shows,” said Chris Donohue, a cast parent. “The unique experiences of each show are irreplaceable.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors for public performances, available through Hemmens Cultural Center box office at 847-931-5900 or online at hemmens.org.
“The Little Mermaid” is produced and presented by Children's Theatre of Elgin (CTE), an Illinois 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and, in-residence ensemble at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. Funding for this production is provided, in part, by Jack and Marlene Shales and Shales McNutt Construction. The City of Elgin and the Illinois Arts Council provide partial funding for the organization. CTE provides main-stage theatre experiences for young performers (ages 7-15) whose talents are showcased for theatre patrons of all ages.