IT’S an iconic Disney movie, and now Cardinia and Casey residents can see all the wonders from under the sea on stage.
Windmill Theatre Company’s 2016 musical production of ‘The Little Mermaid’, produced by Disney Theatrical, will be held at The Drum Theatre in Dandenong in June. The show is shaping up to be one of community theatre’s highlight events of the year.
A cast of over 30 members have been busily preparing for a show which they are confident will be one of the biggest to hit amateur theatre in the south-eastern suburbs.
“As a theatre company we have very high hopes for this show and are excited by the plethora of talent presented by our cast; the audition and rehearsal process has been incredibly exciting and rewarding, with more to still come,” a WTC spokesperson said.
“Community theatre has always been a difficult industry with varying levels of talent and completely different minds presenting the new and old age shows that we see on our stages. With a strong cast of over 30 members and many, many people also working behind the scenes on set design, costuming and production this show will set a new benchmark for us as a company.
“Windmill Theatre Company’s production will be a testament to the idea and product that is Disney; it will exhibit the classic story line with the influences of our skilled production team. Tyler Hess (director), Anthony Barnhill (musical director) and Kirra Sibel (choreographer) are all very skilled in their respective fields and together with every other person involved with the company are keen to present the region with this stage show.”
Stephanie James, who plays the lead character Ariel, said it was a dream role that was very vocally demanding and required a lot of different ways to use her voice and body.
“I am playing a mermaid, so I am playing a different creature. We (the cast) forever have to keep a motion going because we are under the sea. Everyone is moving or doing something all the time,” Ms James said.
“The cast is great and so supportive of each other. Everyone has a connection to Disney from our childhood. Ariel was always my favourite Disney princess when I was younger. I’ve played main roles before, but never the title character. This is Disney magic. Dreams come true.”
Ms James encouraged everyone, young and old, to come along to the show.
“It’s fun, high energy and very colourful,” she said.
“You can expect to see and hear everything you saw from the film, as well as some exciting new music.”
The Little Mermaid is playing for a limited three-week season, from 10 to 26 June, at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong. Tickets start at just $30 for children. To book tickets visit www.windmilltheatre.com.au or call the Drum box office on 8571 1666.
