SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
DFT’s “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” promises fun for entire family
Meet the characters at “Ariel’s Under the Sea Tea Party” on Sunday, Oct. 6
SCOTTSDALE – Desert Foothills Theater (DFT), a division of the Foothills Community Foundation, kicks off its new season with its youth theater production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” set for Fri., Oct. 4 through Sun., Oct. 13 in the intimate Black Box Theater of Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th Street, in North Scottsdale.
The production features a cast of 35 emerging artists ages eight through 14 and promises to deliver fun and laughter to the entire family. Directed by Aubrey Watkins with musical direction from Terry Smith, this beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale became one of Disney’s greatest animated classics. The young actors and stage crew will bring an undersea world to life as they captivate the audience with the main character Ariel’s quest to battle the evil witch Ursula. Along the way, she captures the heart of Prince Eric and interacts with colorful sidekicks and henchmen.
Desert Foothills Theater recently added a fourth location for classes and workshops at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity on Miller Road in order to provide easy access for families living in the Sonoran Hills, Grayhawk, Desert Ridge and other nearby communities.
DFT’s youth actors also are learning how to adjust to rapid scene changes, particularly when it is time to move from land to sea. “We're relying a lot on character movement and the set to establish the difference and to create that change of feeling and mood between one and the other,” she said.
Watkins encourages people of all ages to come see the show. “You're going to get a totally different look and feel in this production than what you're used to seeing. It will be a familiar story with an unexpected twist,” she said.
Morning, matinee and evening performances vary depending on date. Tickets range from $11 to $21. In addition, a special “Ariel’s Under the Sea Tea Party” will take place at the theater at 12:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 6. The special pre-performance lunch includes the chance to meet the play’s characters up close. Tickets for the tea party are $10 for adults and children. Visit www.dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981.
