The cast of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr enjoyed an outing at uShaka Marine World yesterday. From left is Khethukuthula Ngcobo from the International School of Performing Arts who plays Sebastian, a crab; Chloe Marot of St Mary’s DSG as Ariel, a mermaid; and Azania Mavimbela from Crawford North Coast as Flounder, a tropical fish.
Image: Shelley Kjonstad
Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr will be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville from April 2 to 12. It is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie. It features a cast of 50 young performers all getting valuable experience understanding what it is like to be part of a “professional” production.
The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. It is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.
In a heartwarming full circle moment, Sindi Mavimbela, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas. Her daughter Azania, who entered the project seventeen years later in A Fairytale Christmas Carol and is a key member of the cast, is a testament to the organisation’s lasting influence.
This poignant connection highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.
Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities.
For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.
Tickets are through Webtickets.