Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."
Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Director’s Vision Statement: Words cannot describe how excited I am to be able to direct The Little Mermaid. This show has been one of my favorites for a long time, and being able to use the talents within CYT to bring it to life is bringing me so much joy! The story of The Little Mermaid is one I’m sure most of us know, but to me, it’s more than a story about Ariel leaving her home because she falls in love with Eric. It's about love, grace, compassion and understanding.
The Bible verse for our show is Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This verse highlights the significance of setting aside our personal desires and approaching others with kindness and compassion. One example that showcases this is the intricate father-daughter relationship between Triton and Ariel. Ariel longs to live on land, while Triton struggles to let go of his daughter. The Little Mermaid story shows us that it is best to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving.
This show has roles for all ages and theatre experience, whether this is your first show or 20 something, whether you’re 8 or 18, there is a role for you! While we’re ‘Under the Sea” we’ll be among bright colors and amazing characters. Ariel, while a princess in the sea (and on land), is feisty and ambitious. She knows what she wants, and though she knows her father doesn’t want her to go to the surface, she disobeys him for just a glimpse of the world she wants to be a part of. Eric, the prince, is determined to marry for love, and although he’s on a deadline, he believes the heart wants what it wants and he will follow it “to the end of the Earth, if you have to!”. We have Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle, Ariel’s fierce and protective friends. They all have their own quirks: Sebastian is the overbearing friend, but is able to understand Ariel’s deepest desires; Flounder, although a scaredy cat, is willing to do anything to make Ariel happy; and Scuttle, while mostly wrong about the name and use of all of the human items Ariel brings him, tells her about them enthusiastically never leaving a detail behind!
This show means the world to me. I've loved Ariel and The Little Mermaid for as long as I can remember, and I’m overjoyed to be able to bring a new outlook to this classic Disney show! I hope you can become a “part of our world” and join us ‘Under the Sea’!
-Sunnie Curda
Director
