Ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages flocked to New Canaan High School’s air-conditioned theatre last Sunday to see Artistic Director, Melody Libonati’s, Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s (STONC’) production of “The Little Mermaid.”
Outside the theatre, rainbows of bubbles seemed to be dancing in time to the music as schools of miniature mermaids and other sea creatures lined-up to hug the show’s costumed-characters while parents took photos. Indoors, royal tots were getting their faces painted and heads topped with pretty crowns while munching on sea-themed treats.
Depending on how you look at it, Anderson’s popular fairytale is basically about our relationship with the sea. It’s also a coming of age tale as well as a satire of society. As such, this is the basis for a variety of musicals and films on the same theme.
Like last Summer’s highly successful, “Mary Poppin’s,” STONC’s current musical is a full-scale Equity production that contains the same, popular songs and flying wire attraction as the Disney film and musical with some slight, staging variations.
The overture, under Musical Director Alex Parrish, takes place before an attractive curtain of silver streamers that changes colors according to the moods of the play. When the curtain opens we are treated to some marvelous projections of the sea rendered by Grace Griffin and Alexa Lunney.
We are thereby introduced to the world above the sea via a sailing vessel containing tall and handsome “Prince Eric” (Aidan Cole) and the world under the sea and the pretty “Little Mermaid” with the expressive voice (Laura Renee Mehl).
Other featured characters are: “ Sebastian” the amusing, red crab (Jason Williams) and the wicked octopus “Ursula” (Keisha T. Fraser). Child star Carlos V. Escamilla plays the very inquisitive Flounder. High-flying sea gulls and a large, fantastically-costumed cast of singing actors and dancers contribute to the happy ending of this beloved, fairytale.
This not-to-be missed production is directed by Arbender J. Robinson, a member of the original, Broadway company. While the set and costumes were supplied elsewhere, choreographers Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd and Doug Shankman plus the entire technical team deserve the highest praise for putting everything together. Best of all, you can experience this cool, better-than Broadway show locally!
