Cape Elizabeth High School is the first in Maine to stage the Disney version of the “The Little Mermaid,” which features the story and songs from the popular 1989 animated film of the same name.

The show opens on Friday, May 27, and runs through June 5, with show times at 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, June 5 to close out the show. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

Tickets are available at the door only and patrons should arrive an hour before curtain time to assure seating.

“The Little Mermaid” tells the story of Ariel, who lives under the sea with her friends, including a crab named Sebastian. She gives up her voice to Ursula the sea witch, in order to have the opportunity to meet and get to know Prince Eric, a human.

Richard Mullen, the theater director at Cape High, said he chose the show because it’s so challenging, particular in terms of the innovative staging that’s required.

Mullen also likes the “exquisite music,” which includes tunes like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” There are about 60 cast members in this production, including younger students from Pond Cove Elementary.

Advertisement

There is also a student pit band of eight and the technical crews include 10 other students, Mullen said. In addition, the show also includes Flash Allen as music director, Alana Cooper as choreographer, Heidi Kendrick as the set designer, Tom Gordon as the sound engineer and Deb Richio as the costume director.

“Rehearsals are going great,” said Mullen. “You can feel the passion and full commitment of (the cast). Audiences will love it. It’s a feel-good show with stunning design, singing and technical marvels.”

Mullen also said, “The Little Mermaid,” is a “very big and expensive show to produce,” and he thanked the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation for contributing funds to “help meet expenses and to keep ticket prices reasonable.”

The leads are Katie Oberholtzer as Ariel, George Astor as Prince Eric and Eva Miele as Ursula.

The show is dedicated to Cole Amorello, 17, who was killed in a car crash in mid-April. Amorello was scheduled to appear in “The Little Mermaid,” and Mullen said audience members would have an opportunity to contribute to the newly created Amorello Memorial Fund.

The leads in Cape Elizabeth High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid” are Kate Oberholtzer, as Ariel, and George Astor as Prince Eric.

Chef Louis, played by Tony Inhorn, and his assistants Steven Bennett, Jack Misterovich and Tim Corsello, prepare a kettle for Sebastian the Crab in Cape Elizabeth High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.