Press release from Mainstage Center for the Arts
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 as it kicks off Summer Stage’s 30th season July11–13.
In The Little Mermaid, Jr., Ariel (Stephanie Masapollo of Washington Township), longs to leave her ocean home to live in the human world. But first, she defies her father, King Triton (Frank Testa of Blackwood) makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Kristin Bassi of Sicklerville), and must convince Prince Eric (John Koza of Mantua) that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Along the way, Ariel receives help from her friends Sebastian (Nadia Parker of Franklinville), Skuttle (Krista Murray of Deptford), Flounder (Alex Brasburger of Sicklerville).
“This is the first major role I’ve had and I’m really excited. It love the Little Mermaid story,” said Masapollo. “ I’m lucky to be part of a great program like Summer Stage. I was fortunate to be in Lindsay’s cast last year and she is really helping me get into character.”
Lindsay Deal, directs the nearly 70 cast members appearing in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Deal, a recent graduate from Arcadia University with her BFA in Acting, is a South Jersey based actress, director, and teaching artist.
“I’m so looking forward to my summer under the sea. We have a lot of new concepts for our version of The Little Mermaid that we are very excited about watching come to life,” said Deal. “I can’t believe this summer is the 30th anniversary, especially since my first summer here was summer number 16! There are so many special memories I have from my time here at Mainstage, and I’m so excited to celebrate 30 years at my favorite place.”
Additional characters and cast members include Flotsam (Olivia Foreman of Pine Hill), Jetsam (Ali Maselek of Sewell), Girmsby (Isaiah Lee of Williamstown), Chef Louis (Leila Parker of Franklinville), Carlotta (Alanna Weeks of Laurel Springs), The mersisters: Aguata (Rachel Campbell of Deptford), Andrina (Lindsay Thompson of Sicklerville), Arusta (Emily Liszewski of Sicklerville), Atina (Faith Furman of Stratford), Adella (Angelina Canavan of Glassboro), and Allan (Nicole Duffy of Williamstown).
The Little Mermaid, Jr. sponsored by Lamp Post Diner and Beneficial Bank, runs July 11 and 12, 7:30 pm, and July 13, 10:30 am, in the newly-renovated, fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College. Tickets are $11 for children under 12/senior citizens and $12 for adults. Group tickets are also available. Sign interpretation is available at the July 12th performance. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org. For more information, please call (856) 227–3091.
In addition to The Little Mermaid, Jr. the remaining Children’s Theatre season includes Camp Rock, July 18–20, Mary Poppins, Jr, July 25–27, and Magic Up Our Sleeve, August 1–3. Mainstage will present its 30th Anniversary Show on July 21, 7:30 pm and The Addams Family on July 27–29. In addition, the Video Film program will premiere short films on August 3 and the Mainstage Apprentice Campers will present Wonderland on August 5.
