Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. swims into the Dennis Flyer Theatre with Summer Stage

Come be “Part of Our World” as Summer Stage Children’s Theatre journeys “Under the Sea” with Ariel and friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. will make a splash with audiences July 31-August 2.

            In The Little Mermaid, Jr., Ariel (Kaitlin Fanelli of Marlton), longs to leave her ocean home to live in the human world. But first, she defies her father, King Triton (Alec Pizarro of Berlin), makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Megan Kennedy of Deptford), and must convince Prince Eric (Joey Campbell of Deptford) that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Along the way, Ariel receives help from her friends Flounder (Jeffrey Redwanowski of  Gloucester Township),  Sebastian (Sara Todd of Deptford), Scuttle (Samantha Starkey of Berlin), and her mersisters (Katelyn Cusick of Washington Township, Alexa Liss, Katie Morgan of Gloucester Township, Isabella Salurso of Gloucester Township, Rachel Scolari of Pine Hill, Allison Shapiro of Cherry Hill, Katherine Trauger of Chery Hill). The sea witch’s evil companions, Flotsom (Rachel Scillari of Pine Hill) and Jestsam (Michael Schaffner of Mantua) try to foil Ariel’s plans.

            “I’m really enjoying playing Flounder. He’s bubbly and friendly, similar to my personality. Also, I like that he sticks by Ariel throughout her troubles trying to help her. He’s a loyal character,” said Redwanowski.

            Brooke Shellock, director, is thrilled with the opportunity to direct the approximately 70 cast members appearing in The Little Mermaid, Jr.

            ”It is exciting that Mainstage is doing a production of The Little Mermaid for the 25th anniversary season because this show was recently released for children's theater and it is the first time Mainstage is presenting it. This being my 14th year at Summer Stage (as camper and every level of directing staff), I am thoroughly enjoying reminiscing about old shows, but it's also pretty cool that we are creating brand new memories in the same year,” said Shellock.

            “In honor of the 25th anniversary, Ariel's grotto will be stocked with an item from each show that Summer Stage has done.  Old Summer Stagers, their parents, and anyone who has ever seen a Summer Stage show before will be able to find a representation of their favorite show somewhere in the set and enjoy a bit of reminiscing of their own from the audience. We will also have a life size ship and a cameo appearance from the other Disney princesses!”

            The Little Mermaid, Jr. sponsored by Beneficial Bank, runs July 31-August 1, 7:30 pm, and August 2, 10:30 am, in the newly-renovated, fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College.  Tickets are $9 for children/senior citizens and $10 for adults. Group tickets are also available. Sign interpretation is available at the Thursday morning show for groups.  For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org. For more information, please call (856) 227-3091.

            For the Little Mermaid performances, children who dress as a prince or princess will receive a ticket for one free item from the concession stand. The remaining Summer Stage Children’s Theatre season includes  Magic Up Our Sleeve, sponsored by Harry Morgan, D.C., August 7-9.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, celebrating its 25th anniversary year, is located in Blackwood, NJ. It is committed to making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at (856) 227-3091 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.

            Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults.  This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.