Review: A Wondrous New World Washes Ashore in CCTC's THE LITTLE MERMAID

There is something to be said of a story that, although not set in the confines of our mundane world or whose circumstances cannot necessarily be applied to our reality, can still spark such comprehensibly human emotions. Though most of us are not vying for the attention of a prince whose desires are furthest from what his title dictates them to be, and I would say it's rare to insist upon sprouting a pair of legs to win over the affections of said prince, the fantastical is usually derived on some level from what human beings are able to perceive in their own lives.

So saying, although it is true that the tale of The Little Mermaid is more farfetched in its nature and therefore considered perfect for the imagination of children, there is something so real about watching this story unfold on stage - something so true and relatable about the magic which transforms a teenage girl who doesn't feel as if she belongs into someone who now has purpose to fulfill that wish she so ardently has wanted to come true. Even though Hans Christian Andersen's story is of mystical creatures, what they deal with is so incredibly human that the audience cannot help but fall in love with this story as a whole.

Perhaps this is something that the Cape Cod Theatre Company is able to convey better than anybody else, but the group's current production of The Little Mermaid does a spectacular job of bringing this beautiful tale to the "world above," and with it an audience appreciative of such quality theater on the Cape.

The Cape Cod Theatre Company (CCTC), home of the Harwich Junior Theatre, is now celebrating its 65th season with a beautiful rendition of Disney's The Little Mermaid. Based on Anderson's story and the original Disney film produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, book by Doug Wright and hereby directed/choreographed by the incredibly gifted Ethan Paulini, CCTC's production of The Little Mermaid is really quite a wonderful collection of profound moments of storytelling, in my opinion.

I may say this quite often about CCTC's productions, but what occurs on stage is not simply meant to convey a story for the mere satisfaction of an audience; a performance is not given for the simple sense of knowing the plot is handed over to the audience in good enough terms. CCTC usually does a wonderful job of choosing both a cast and creative team that work together to create efficient storytelling, done so in a way that convinces everyone present in that theater that the people on that stage have a single goal: to bring the story to the greatest degree of life in can possibly reach. The actors involved go above and beyond to create nuances and specific character traits to not only create a believable and significant performance, but also to enhance their storytelling abilities. Under Paulini's direction, there is something very special that these combined efforts bring to The Little Mermaid, and the magic which ensues is nothing short of amazing.

To provide a synopsis of the tale many of us know well, The Little Mermaid tells the story of the young mermaid Ariel, one of seven daughters of King Triton with a beautiful voice which resembles that of her late mother's. Not only is Ariel incredibly misunderstood by her rather unforgiving sisters, her inability to see her underwater kingdom as her true home - the place where she is truly meant to be - fosters her love of the world above and persuades her more and more to venture out towards the human world. When she saves Prince Eric, a man destined to become King yet, like Ariel, yearns to be out on the open sea and away from magisterial duties from a shipwreck, their destinies become entwined: he diligently seeks the girl with the beautiful voice who saved him, while she falls in love with him and is given tangible reason as to why she belongs out of the water. With her family's disapproval well in tow, she is brought to her wicked Aunt Ursula who allows her the chance to win the Prince's heart over in three days' time and earn from him a granted kiss - all without the aid of her beautiful voice. Through means of heartbreak, hopelessness and distrust with that never fading sense of hope, The Little Mermaid is really a story that everyone is bound to enjoy because of its simple concept that love of something is the true driving force of any great pursuit.

As I had mentioned before, Paulini's direction has a nice way of creating a more "human" effect with Ariel's story, and what I mean by the way in which the plot is expressed and how receptive the audience is to what is going on. The entire premise of the story is based on love - the yearning for a different lifestyle, love for another human being, familial bonds being shattered in wake of a more personal agenda, and there is something so profoundly significant about this story, as what is dealt with by the characters is so real. Their issues aren't sugar coated to ensure that romance prevails at the end, yet the actors in this production make everything that happens so approachable, if that makes sense. There is such comradery on that stage that the plot is intensified so: Ariel is not only a belligerent teenager, she is a lost soul singing to the audience about her inability to belong where she is; Triton is not simply there to as a tyrannical figure who must consistently know the whereabouts of his unruly daughter - he is a troubled, kindhearted man who wishes to truly understand why he is better able to govern a kingdom than relate to his own flesh and blood.

Throughout each of these little tender moments that make up the entirety of The Little Mermaid, there is such feeling to be found within this production that the audience cannot help but be mesmerized by not only what is being presented to them, but how and why, and this provides what a spark for the audience as the plot gradually unfolds.

Now, what would a wonderful show be without its cast? Everyone in this production brings something different to the table, whether that be a simple movement of the arms to portray a swimming motion, the fluid movements of a slippery eel with bad intent or just the pure energy exuding from all those involved makes The Little Mermaid something special. Lindsey Erin Agnes as Ariel gives a wonderful performance, combining the insistence of her character with the sweetness which makes everyone empathize with her character. She has a beautiful soprano that allows Ariel's voice to soar and penetrate the hearts of those watching. Christopher Sidoli* as King Triton (also making appearances as the pilot, Chef Louis and in the ensemble) brings such a tender aggressiveness to the story; as both a King and more importantly Ariel's father, he is authoritative yet kindhearted, certain yet unsure at the same time. Sidoli is a great actor, and he proves this in his performance; he also makes for one hell of a sadistic chef.

Caleb Allen as Prince Eric is absolutely charming and has this exuberant nature about him which allows him to portray his character with such passion in his heart. There is this constant exchange between feelings of uncertainty, hesitancy and happiness, but never loses that dormant potential which allows him to bounce right back. Wendy Watson as Ursula plays the absolutely perfect villain, and to be straightforward with this, was perfectly cast. Even her hair is streaked purple for the role, and along with her equally sinister and perceptibly eager-to-partake-in-the-fun minions Flotsam and Jetsam (Wil Moser and Brooks Andrew), there is such excitement felt when she takes the stage. LeVane Harrington as Sebastian is awesome, and has the accent down perfectly. He is a rather passive Sebastian though, so just a little more energy in his presentation would be awesome!

Everyone involved did a phenomenal job: Shiloh Pabst, Paul Schuyler, Shaw Schuyler, Tyler Brackett, Delaney Agnes, Sage Barnes, Celia Cota, Haley Kelsey, Madison Mayer, Allegra Netherwood, Perry Ainsley Gill and Scarlett O'Malley all do wonders for this production. Kudos also to the bank led by Musical Director Robert Wilder and including Amanda Kosloski on flute/piccolo, Tony Stevens on clarinet/alto sax and Evan Eldredge on drums. Without them, such memorable numbers as "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl" could not be possible. A big shout-out to Robin McLaughlin for costume design, James P. Byrne for scenic/light design and J. Hagenbuckle for sound design.

The Little Mermaid began performances at the Cape Cod Theatre Company (located at 105 Division Street in West Harwich) on June 23rd and will run thru July 16th. Tickets are $25 ($15 for those under 21) and can be purchased by either calling the box office at (508) 432.2002 or by visiting capecodtheatrecompany.org. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday matinees at 4:00pm; there will be no performance on July 4th.

Come and support a great theater group and enjoy the show!

*Member of Actors' Equity Association

Photo Credit: Shiloh Pabst (Photoberry)

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