THE LITTLE MERMAID REVIEW: POSITIVELY ENTERTAINING

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By Kathy Carpenter

August 1, 2019 (El Cajon) - The Stagehouse Theatre bring Disney's The Little Mermaid to Grossmont College welcoming The Summer Arts Conservatory for its sixth show. The Little Mermaid is about giving young people a voice and the encouragement to make decisions for themselves. That’s a hard subject for parents to endorse. When is the right time to give teens a leg to stand on?

Ariel disobeys her dad and flees to the human world, giving up her beautiful singing and talking voice, in order to chase her dream. In case teens think this is the way to go, she would not have reached her heart’s desire if not for help from her dad. Everyone needs to grow--parents, teens, even grandparents.

The show is so much fun. Also, for me, so romantic. I love the dance scenes Disney throws in to "Beauty and the Beast" and " The Little Mermaid." When Prince Eric sings "One Step Closer" and in this case looks a little like Tom Cruise, your heart just melts.

Brian Rickel directs his third Summer Conservatory. Adelaida Martinez brings her wondrous voice and sparkling eyes as Ariel. Miguel Simpson charms us as Prince Eric. Delicia Nieto might scare your young ones as Ursula as she graces the stage with her talent. I just loved Olesia Winbush as Sebastian; she was perfect. Her accent, her timing, makes her a true talent. Scuttle is played by Cole Atrencia, doing a positivity outstanding job. I loved his tap number with the gulls. Flounder is played by Annalea Larmen; King Titan by Jake Strol. Flotsam and Jetsam are portrayed by Remus Harrington and Jon Agee. Grimsby is played by Matthew Clausen. Ariel's six sisters and the ensemble round out this 22-person hard-working cast to bring  the underwater world to life.

The costumes are colorful. A huge background screen adds much to the scenery, allowing us to more fully engage. The show is filled with all your favorite Little Mermaid songs, such as "Kiss The Girl" and "Under the Sea.:One of my new favorites is "Daddy's Little Girl” sung by Ursala.

Come fill the seats for an enchanting musical. These students have worked hard and deserve a full theatre. Bring your children over five and introduce them to live characters.

Next summer will be the return of the Pop Cinderella the much-loved story from a couple of years ago.

The next regular show is Picasso at the Lapin Agille by Steve Marting Oct. 3 - 12, 2019.

The Little Mermaid

Stagehouse Theatre

July 25 - August 3, 2019

Tickets 619.644.7234

8800 Grossmont College Dr.

El Cajon

 


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