Stage Door News
Stage Door News
CAMBRIDGE – Award-winning Drayton Entertainment is set to take family audiences on an underwater adventure this holiday season with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. This splash-tacular Broadway musical delves “under the sea” at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge for five weeks only now through December 21st.
“25 years after the original film was released, Disney’s The Little Mermaid continues to capture the hearts of children and parents alike,” says Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. “The iconic characters, memorable music, and timeless story are brought to life by an all‐star cast of outstanding performers.”
Based on the enchanting 1989 Disney animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most popular stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a dazzling and fun-filled love story for the ages. The score features the classic songs "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea" composed by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken and his long-time collaborator, the late Howard Ashman, as well as new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the musical is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright.
Renowned Canadian Director Ann Hodges expertly guides a large cast including 22 professional actors and 25 local children – her creative staging brings this treasured story to life with all the charm and energy that audiences expect from Disney’s much-loved underwater fairy tale. Choreographer Lisa Stevens creates elegant underwater ballets and exuberant Royal ballroom dances that perfectly capture the two worlds in the story, while Music Director Steve Thomas leads a superb orchestra through the gloriously memorable score.
Set designer J. Branson fashions an ambitious set that beautifully conveys the majesty of the beloved story including everything from King Triton's underwater palace to Prince Eric's castle ballroom using imaginative backdrops, grand set pieces and projections that create a bonafide visual spectacle. Kevin Fraser’s bright and iridescent lighting design complements the set and evokes the magical deep-sea setting perfectly.
Costume Designer Leon Dobkowski, who assisted on the Broadway production, creates a feast for the eyes with an impressive array of shimmering silhouettes, vibrant colours and spectacular sea creatures.
A stellar cast has been assembled for this impressive production including veteran actress Jayme Armstrong as the curious and willful young mermaid Ariel, who dreams of living in the human world above. Armstrong has played a diverse range of roles from Fantine in Les Misérables earlier this season, to the title character in Disney’s Mary Poppins. The accomplished performer does an excellent job of capturing Ariel’s innocence and youthful energy. Her sparkling voice shines in the famous song “Part of Your World,” among others.
David Cotton, who won hearts as Marius in Les Misérables, makes a strong and dashing Prince Eric. His performance of the song "Her Voice" is rich and romantic and he’s got the looks and charm of a veritable Disney prince.
Kristin Peace is a deliciously evil sea witch in all her tentacled glory as the infamous villainess Ursula. Her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence are a force to be reckon with, and her renditions of “Daddy's Little Angel” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” bring down the house. Gregory Pember and Thomas Alderson are delightfully wicked as Ursula's electric-eel minions Flotsam and Jetsam, who act as a team to slither around menacingly while harmonizing their threats.
Drayton Entertainment favourite Keith Savage radiates charisma as Ariel’s goofy seagull friend, Scuttle. Savage has the right combination of enthusiasm and pizzazz to bring this memorable character to life. He mispronounces and misinterprets everything with hilarious results and his show-stopping performance of the new song "Positoovity" is a highlight.
Mark Cassius is equally dynamic as Sebastian, the crusty crab with a Caribbean accent who is constantly scurrying after Ariel to keep a watchful eye on her. Cassius is delightfully funny as he delivers lively performances of the most familiar songs from the movie, "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl.” 14-year-old Aidan Tye is adorable and endearing as Ariel’s best friend and faithful sidekick Flounder, the fish.
Victor A. Young is well cast as Prince Eric’s royal confidante, Grimsby, while Marcus Nance is appropriately authoritative yet caring as the mighty King Triton, ruler of the sea-people and Ariel’s father. Comedic actor Nick Settimi is a perfect fit for the role of the comedic Chef Louis who tries to cook Sebastian. His performance of the comic song “Les Poissons” is absolutely hilarious.
Rachel Clark, Stephen Cota, Ryan Gifford, Anna Hurshman, Dani Jazzar, Judy Kovacs, Bethany Kovarik, Chad McFadden, Anwyn Musico, Nicholas Nesbitt and Amanda Struthmann round out the exceptional ensemble cast, which also features 25 young local children who perform on a rotating schedule in two groups throughout the run alongside the professional cast.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is proudly sponsored by Equitable Life of Canada and the Region of Waterloo International Airport. The Media Sponsors are 107.7 FM and the Cambridge Times. The Design Sponsors are Homewood Suites by Hilton and ComDev. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2014 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
With tickets over 85% sold out and the holiday season rapidly approaching, it is recommended that theatregoers purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets are on sale now and can be conveniently purchased from any computer or mobile device by visiting www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Box Office, or by calling (519) 621-8000 or toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).
Photo: David A. Cotton and Jayme Armstrong. ©2014 Hillary Gould-Camilleri.
2014-11-21
Cambridge: "Disney's The Little Mermaid" opens tonight at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge