"Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr."

   Apologies for the limited posting of late, gentle readers, but there's a good reason - I've been swamped working on the upcoming show, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.

   It's been a blast working with such a talented cast and directing team - and we're less than a month away from taking the stage.

   I'll talk more about it in the days and weeks ahead, but for now, here's the poster for the show - and the latest press release:

   The story of Ariel, the mermaid who risks everything for true love, will be presented live on stage as First Stage Theatre Company offers Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. on Oct. 26, 27 and 28, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

     The show features 50 young performers from the Tri-state area, ranging in age from high school seniors to elementary students. Director Chuck Minsker said, “It’s amazing how much talent these young actors have. I think audiences of all ages are going to be surprised and delighted with this musical." 

     Four shows are being presented, including performances on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. 

    The Renaissance Theatre is located in the old Huntington High School building. 

   Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. is based on the beloved animated feature from the Disney Studios and the Broadway play it inspired. It tells the story of young Ariel, a mermaid who falls in love with a human, Prince Eric, and risks everything to win his love. But she’ll have to contend with her father, King Triton, and the evil sea witch, Ursula. 

   The show’s cast is guided by director Chuck Minsker, music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa McGuffin, producer Leslie Porter, Assistant Director Robyn Welch, set construction director Jack Welch, and costume designer Trish Woods. 

   Little Mermaid, Jr. kicks off the 23rd season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre.  Shows coming up this season include the holiday musical Scrooge and The Bully Plays in Spring 2013.    

   For more information, visit www.firststagetheatre.org or call 304-416-KIDS. 

   The First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Founded in 1990, the organization has staged more than 50 theatrical shows starring children from the Tri-State area.