BWW Interviews: Emily Cara Portune as Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID at The Growing Stage

The Little Mermaid, the charming Disney musical, will be presented at The Growing Stage, The Children's Theater of New Jersey in Netcong from October 3rd through October 26th. This delightful production is suggested for the entire family. We had the opportunity to interview Emily Cara Portune about her career and her starring role as Ariel in the show.

Emily Cara Portune has been on stage since the age of three when she played Tinker Bell in the beloved musical classic, Peter Pan. She knew the theater was her calling and has since then appeared in over 100 shows. After receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, Emily starred as Janis Joplin in the National Tour of Beehive; The 60's Musical. Some of her favorite theatrical experiences include performing alongside the legendary Ben Vereen, filming funny parodies with J.B. Smoove, playing Natalie Haller in All Shook Up, Princess Fiona in Shrek, The Musical, Woman 2 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, and coming full circle as the title role in Peter Pan. Portune has been an Adjunct Professor of Musical Theatre studies at New Jersey City University since 2009 and enjoys directing/choreographing throughout New Jersey.

We asked Portune who were some of her show business inspirations. She said, "My childhood was greatly inspired by Carol Burnett. The way she is able to transform, commit and create has always been something I greatly respect and admire. Anyone who is able to fully lose themselves while finding someone else's truth is for me, a great artist. Australian comedian, Chris Lilley is my latest obsession. For this piece in particular, I have been greatly inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's original writing of The Little Mermaid. It has helped me get a firm grasp on the myths of the mer-world and the truths and beauty within."

Portune told us about her role as Ariel. "The role of Ariel is unique to me in many ways. For one, Disney's The Little Mermaid was the very first movie that my parents took me to see in theaters and you better believe I made them take me again and again. I was four at the time and it sort of planted the seed for all the things I expected out of life. It taught me to sing, to embrace my voice, to believe in a world other than my own, to have curiosity and faith in unfamiliar things, to trust in love and explore desire, to accept being different, to find friends in all things, to be kind and aware, to communicate without words and to forgive. It's been such a fun challenge trying to create the 'underwater' experience on two feet. Through movement and imagination, I hope to convince audiences without hesitation. Another unique aspect of this character is becoming unable to speak in act two and having to communicate a vast array of strange ideas to a world unfamiliar with that which I came from. Even though the circumstances in this story seem extremely fantasy based, the ideas are all relatable. For this reason, I am able to really delve behind the literal situations themselves and make it all feel real."

Portune is confident that area audiences will delight in The Growing Stage production. "Audiences will enjoy The Little Mermaid because it is a strong translation of the film. They will get to hear all the classics from the original Disney cartoon plus more. Many of the new songs are written to underscoring from the film and cleverly melt right in. Since the stage version is slightly longer, audiences also get to explore more of the back stories from the characters. For instance, what did happen to Ariel's mother? What is Ursula's beef? All these and more are answered in the musical. For those who have never seen the movie, no worries. You will love this show. It is a spectacle to see, while still being told from an honest and relatable place."

Portune is pleased to return to The Growing Stage. "This show marks my 6th show at The Growing Stage and I couldn't be more thankful for the memories they have given me. The theater is so unique in that it allows young performers an opportunity to work with equity actors on an equal level. I continue to learn and be inspired by this wonderful place. The cast and crew are so incredibly talented and I feel honored to be a part of this company." Portune also said that she hopes many individuals and groups will come to see the The Little Mermaid.

When we asked Emily Portune about her plans for the future, she said, "Only time will tell..."

For more information about The Growing Stage, The Children's Theater of New Jersey in Netcong, New Jersey and for ticketing, call (973) 347-4946 or visit their web site at www.growingstage.com.

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