Children's Theatre of Elgin stages 'The Little Mermaid'

Posted October 21, 2011 1:00 am

By Children's Theatre of Elgin

Lauren Scheiler, left, and Tracy Suppes, both from Elgin, Maddie Bozikis of Bartlett, and Leikyn Bravo of South Elgin play mermaids in the CTE production of “The Little Mermaid,” to be staged this weekend at the Hemmens in Elgin. photos Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elg

Under the sea is the place to be this weekend, when Children's Theatre of Elgin adapts the Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Little Mermaid.”

More than 100 children ages 7 to 15 will act, sing and dance in this musical version of the popular fairy tale. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

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 production puts a comedic spin on the traditional romantic tale. The story centers around a beautiful mermaid who falls in love with a young prince, whom 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 play supporting roles.

The cast includes students from area schools. “‘The Little Mermaid' is a wonderful experience for children of all ages,” Director Jen Prise said. “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 onstage, 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 daughter has learned so much and gained a great deal of confidence participating in this CTE show,” said Chris Donohue of St. Charles. “The unique experiences of each show are irreplaceable.”

Tickets are $10 and $8 for students and seniors, available at (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

The prince played by Macsen Romano of Sleepy Hollow and his bride, played by Jessica Blakely of St. Charles, appear in the CTE production of The Little Mermaid. Courtesy of Childrens Theatre of Elgin

Allison, left, and Haley Dulabaum of Elgin and Madison Kleba of Elburn portray sharks in CTEs production of The Little Mermaid. Courtesy of Childrens Theatre of Elgin

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