ADRIAN — The Croswell Opera House is going “under the sea” with the stage version of Disney’s classic film “The Little Mermaid,” which opened Nov. 17 and continues weekends through Dec. 3.
Based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, the story of a mermaid named Ariel who longs to experience life on land was released in 1989. An entire generation of children grew up watching the movie — among them Sarah Nowak of Tecumseh, who directed and choreographed the Croswell’s production.
“The show has always had a special place in my heart for nostalgic purposes,” Nowak said.
Fans of the movie who are hoping to see all their favorite characters and moments won’t be disappointed, Nowak said. But she said the stage musical adds some touches of its own.
“All of the characters from the original are still in the stage version,” she said, “and a lot of the moments that many of us grew up with from the cartoon.”
But the stage musical adds some extra dimension to the story.
“There’s more heart, a lot more development of characters,” Nowak said.
In Ariel, she said, “you see more than just this ditzy, dreamy teenage girl. You see someone who’s smart, who has thoughts and emotions that you can easily connect to.” Love interest Prince Eric is more well-rounded too, with the musical delving into the conflict between his royal obligations and his desire for a carefree life on the water.
Ariel is played by Emma Skaggs of Perrysburg, Ohio, who was previously seen as Carole King in the Croswell’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
“Emma’s amazing,” Nowak said. “She really draws you in, as an audience member, to care about Ariel and hang on every word she’s saying and singing.”
Xavier Sarabia of Adrian plays Prince Eric, and Brian Jones of Maumee, Ohio, plays Ariel’s father, King Triton.
Ariel’s friends include Zachary Flack of Allen Park as Sebastian the crab, Ella Flumignan of Onsted as Flounder the fish, and Jonah Hiatt of Palmyra as Scuttle the seagull. Ariel’s sisters are played by Alexandra June of Adrian, Lila Brighton of Onsted, Rachel Ogger of Jackson, Emily Smith of Temperance, Kayla Garlick of Sylvania, Ohio, and Amber Wilkes of Toledo.
The antagonists of the story are Anjewel Lenoir of Adrian as Ursula; Madelyn Bowman of Adrian and Cooper Adams of Manitou Beach as Flotsam and Jetsam; and Jeff King of Temperance as Louis, the chef who wants to cook Sebastian for dinner. John Lamb of Ann Arbor is Prince Eric’s palace advisor, Grimsby, and Steven Owsley of Jackson is the pilot of Eric’s boat.
In the ensemble are Trent Aneed, Haylie Blohm, Kylie Bushman, Christopher Harlan and Aiden Ketola, all of Adrian; Bella McQuigg of Dundee; Joanna Bacarella of Monroe; Carsyn Benzing and Oden Berthelsen of Tecumseh; Jerold King and Chris Smith of Temperance; Reed Schwieterman of Maumee, Ohio; and Katie Spieles of Wauseon, Ohio.
The assistant director and choreographer is Emily Flack, the vocal director is Wynne Marsh, and the orchestra is conducted by Ray Novak. Scenic design is by Marty Flake and costumes are by Pam Krage.
Performances for the final two weekends are:
- Friday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m.
There is no show on Friday, Dec. 1, to accommodate other downtown activities.
Tickets range from $22 to $44 for adults, $15 to $25 for students.
The Croswell Opera House is at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. More information is available at croswell.org or by calling 517-264-7469.
