Okay, folks. Put on your S.C.U.B.A. gear and head on out to Eldridge to dive into Countryside Community Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale with book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and directed by the Quad Cities’ own jack-of-all-theatre-trades, Tristan Tapscott who, by the way, is also an uber lover of all things Disney.
If you have a daughter, granddaughter, or niece you will no doubt know this enchanting tale, first produced as a Disney animated film, about the mermaid Ariel who longs to experience the world above the sea – much to the chagrin of her father, Triton– and how she beguiles the handsome Prince Eric with her alluring voice and sparking a Cinderella-esque search by Eric to find the owner of that voice.
Every good fairy tale needs a villain to stir up malice and that is Triton's banished sea witch sister, Ursula, whose lust to undo her brother by any means uses Ariel to implement her wicked scheme of transforming Ariel into a human for three days in order to win the kiss of Eric to earn becoming permanently human – but, she must surrender her voice in the process. Failure will enslave her to Ursula forever.
Supporting characters on Ariel’s side include: Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish and Scuttle the sea gull. On Ursula’s side are the despicable minions Flotsam and Jetsam.
The result is an absolutely charming and delightful show with both a stunning adult and an adorable children’s ensemble complete with a shower of bubbles and several scenes that send the characters out into the audience to dance with children which sent the little girl in the row in front of me over the moon.
Again, I’m flabbergasted by the vocal talent we have here in the Quad Cities. Everyone was so amazing that I hesitate to single out performers because I don’t want to offend anyone by not mentioning them. Alas, I have limited air time. However, as incredible as Ellerie Hurley as Ariel, Carter Jargo as Prince Eric and Croix Baker as Triton were, Nicholas Munson as Ursula stole every scene he was in, the phenomenal energy of Joseph Nguyen as Sebastian was spectacular, and Mallory Carslake’s scene as Chef Louis was absolutely belly-laugh hilarious.
As super-duper as this show is, what really sets this venue apart is the TOTAL experience and the hospitality. The lobby is decorated with seascapes. Walking in the door you’re greeted by smiling faces ready to direct you to the right ticket desk, there was a Mermaid themed souvenir table and smiling ushers eager to help you find your seat. The whole atmosphere was colorful, fun, and engaging.
So, take the plunge because this show is a great big splash.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid performances by the Countryside Community Theatre continue at North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium located at 200 South First Street in Eldridge, Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.
Correction: Ariel's father is Triton, not Titan.