This Week: "Little Mermaid, Jr."

   Let me tell you, it takes a lot to put on a stage show.  

   Eight weeks of rehearsals (learning songs, dances and dialogue), set building, costume making, fund-raising and much more - in other words, lots of hard work by the cast, crew, parents and volunteers.

   And this week it all pays off as Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Shows will be staged Friday at 7:30 p.m., a Saturday matinee show at 2 p.m., a Saturday evening show at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids and senior citizens.

   It's the kickoff to First Stage Theatre's 23rd season, and it's based on the beloved Disney animated film.

   The show features a cast of 50 young performers, ranging from high school seniors to elementary school students, and they're a talented bunch!

   They bring to life the characters from the movie, including Ariel, the mermaid who falls in love with Prince Eric, Ursula, the sea witch, Sebastian, a musical crab, and a host of characters, including seagulls, chefs, sailors, tentacles and assorted sea creatures.

   I admit to being prejudiced - I directed the show, along with a talented bunch of directors, including music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa McGuffin, assistant director Robyn Welch and producer Leslie Porter.

   We think it's a special show and hope you'll pay us a visit "Under the Sea."