Just because the mer-folk have tails, doesn’t mean they won’t be able to move around on the stage.
“We have a very, very creative costumer, so any mer-people will be able to move with their tails,” Director Kris Visher said. “It’s a unique design for the costume but it works. In our vision it works very well because you can still do all the storytelling without being stuck in one spot.”
The story of mermaid Ariel will be told on land, under the sea and on the stage at Naperville Central High School when Magical Starlight Theatre presents the Disney musical, “The Little Mermaid” from Jan. 12-21.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
“We want to serve the largest population that we can,” Visher said. “We got great feedback last year when we switched the times.”
The 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13 and 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21 performances will include sign language interpretation.
Based on the 1989 animated film, the stage musical tracks very similarly to the movie, although there are some differences, Visher said.
“There’s a lot more story, actually. We get a chance to feature some soloists, learning more about Prince Eric, learning more about Ursula,” Visher said. “There’s many assumptions when you watch the movie, but the stage version brings more of that to life.”
A cast of 73, along with a 14-piece orchestra and a crew of 20 will tell the tale of Ariel giving up her voice in order to trade her mermaid tail for legs so she can be with Prince Eric.
“Artistically, it’s a fun, fun colorful show to create, and I think the audience will not be disappointed,” Visher said. “We have such great artisans. A lot of it we are trying to do is a nod to what people will expect from the movie.
“In between all that, we realize that because it is Disney material so many people are familiar with the content, we want to do so good a job at storytelling that we actually draw them in. They’re not just singing along. They’re drawn into caring about Ariel,” she said. “They’re upset when Ariel and her father argue and he gets irate. Every parent should be able to resonate with a teenager just pressing those limits in the growing-up process.”
Although “The Little Mermaid” has been done before, Magical Starlight is creating the vision for the show from the ground up, Visher said.
“How do we see it, what parts do we want to make priority and how that whole look — within our budget — is created,” she said.
With its universal theme of growing up, the musical is one that all ages will enjoy, she said.
“It is not just a kiddie show. Adults will be engaged; adults will have a great time. There’s something to see for everyone,” Visher said. “The story is about teenagers feeling trapped. That’s sort of a common theme of (Ariel) coming of age, and definitely King Triton having to manage that. The same with Eric. He’s coming of age. He’s ready to be married by 21 and carry on his father’s dream.”
Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
‘The Little Mermaid’
When: Jan. 12-21
Where: Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $12-$15
Information: 630-848-5000; www.magicalstarlight.org
