Youth theater group creates watery world for 'Little Mermaid'

In the middle of a cold winter, Christian Youth Theater is taking audiences on an underwater adventure in its production of "The Little Mermaid."

"Since it's underwater, a big challenge has been making it look like the kids are swimming and living underwater," said Taylor Kras, choreographer.

"We had to create a brand new world, so I guess that's been our fun challenge this time."

In addition to the creation of an underwater world on land, the storyline of the play was a challenge for the actors as well.

Sophomore Erin Ulbert, who plays Ariel, had to hone in on different aspects of acting to perfect her character.

"Ariel loses her voice in the second half, so she doesn't talk at all," Ulbert said. "It's been a real challenge to portray emotions without my voice."

"The Little Mermaid" is the tale of a young mermaid named Ariel, who is the daughter of King Neptune, ruler of the seas. For Ariel's 16th birthday, she is allowed to go to the surface of the water. While she is there, she spies the handsome Prince Eric aboard his ship. When a storm throws Eric overboard, Ariel rescues him and sings for him while he sleeps. Upon awakening, all Eric can think of is finding the woman with the beautiful voice who saved his life.

Ariel wants to go back to Eric as well, so she enlists the powers of a witch to help her get legs to go onshore and find Eric. There's one problem: Ariel must trade her voice in order to get legs to go find Eric - and her voice is exactly what Eric is looking for.

The play is similar to the 1989 Disney movie "The Little Mermaid," but a few changes are made to some of the names, songs, and the ending, explains Director Martine Hunter.

"There are some differences from the movie, so (it helps) if the audience goes in kind of open-minded," Hunter said. "There are different twists and different tastes from the movie but it's the same original story of Ariel."

With some of the new twists, Hunter also worked on a different focus of the story.

"The big thing I hope is that people can feel for the prince and his relationship with Ariel," Hunter said. "I tried to build up the relationship of Ariel and Eric so the audience wants them together so badly and Eric knows she's the girl with the beautiful voice."

For Kras, a big part of the show is making it great not only for the audience, but for his fellow team members and the actors as well.

"One of my favorite parts is meeting with the other team members because they're some of my best friends," said Kras, "and it's fun because I get a chance to make a difference in the kids' lives."

Although the play has a few changes from the movie, Ulbert promises a great show for all audiences.

"There's fun and upbeat dancing and songs," Ulbert said. "It's generally a real feel-good show."

If you goWhat: "The Little Mermaid," a musical by Christian Youth Theater of Kane CountyWhen: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 and 26; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 and 28Where: Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, HuntleyTickets: $9 to $12 in advance; $2 additional at the doorDetails: cytchicago.org or (847) 516-2298'The Little Mermaid' castAlgonquin: Katherine Andrick, Hallie Aylesworth, Isabella Caruso, Lauren Coniglio, Rachel Matthys, Kory WilliamsBartlett: Abigail Momot, Maria Penas, Mark PenasCarpentersville: Lauren Menzer, Kimber PrittsCrystal Lake: Claire Doty, Haven Doty, Keegan Kennedy, Morgan Kennedy, Reagan Kennedy, Jackson Singleton, Kyla Singleton, Mary Taylor, Taylor WitteDundee Twp.: Kelsea NolanEast Dundee: Alyssa Gorman, Elliot SimmonsElgin: Yenashi Castillo, Colin Flanagan, Caitlin Hansen, Marissa Holguin, Lisa Holmberg, Cassie King, Madeline King, Mollie King, Danielle Kyle, Elijah Mancilla, Jon Mancilla, Shannon McCoy, Gretchen Metzger, Analisa Montalvo, Chelsea Oleson, Eli Oleson, Abbey Schneff, Dulcy Walbridge, Alysson Wittmeyer, Stephanie ZapfGilberts: Katey ArredondoHampshire: Abbie Bennett, Maddie Bennett, Megan Botterman, Alyssa Eder, Megan Eder, Nathan Holmer, Nicholas Holmer, Calvin Krajecki, Anna Krauklis, Magdeline SeagrenHanover Park: Danielle Jacobson, Gabrielle JacobsonHoffman Estates: Sierra LewandHuntley: Savannah Fiedler, Ariel Gray, Natalie ReedLake in the Hills: Annika Cerda, Alex Kuphal, Morgan Pritchard, Allison WellnitzNorth Aurora: Kaite TeskePingree Grove: Kristin Berggren, Owen TaitSleepy Hollow: Alyssa Fry, Audrey Martin, Emma Ulbert, Erin UlbertSouth Elgin: Rachel BoeckelmannSt. Charles: Nicoletta Calabrese, Gianna Crescenzo, Griffin Johnson, Savannah Millburn, Colleen Molloy, Maggie Molloy, Evan Okpisz, Paige Petty, Rachel WhitesideSycamore: Christina HahnWest Dundee: Rachel WolfeWoodstock: Jamison McGowan, Jensen McGowan, Jeremiah McGowanTrue13942000Lauren Coniglio, 9, of Algonquin get the loose spines of her pufferfish costume hot-glued on by "Costume Mom" Lisa Botterman-Goetz of Hampshire during the dress rehearsal for Christian Youth Theater's production of "The Little Mermaid".Laura Stoecker | Staff PhotographerTrue