Cabrillo Music Theatre's THE LITTLE MERMAID to Swim into TOCAP This Summer

When "The Little Mermaid" was released in 1989, it not only became one of the most popular Disney films to date, it was also the very first animated musical to use Broadway composers for its music - changing the direction of animated movies forever.

Now Cabrillo Music Theatre brings this amazing story to life with THE LITTLE MERMAID, live on stage! This is not simply a children's show - it's a brand-new fully-developed Broadway musical, in the spirit of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LION KING, and MARY POPPINS, and Cabrillo Music Theatre's production will be the first in the region.

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID opens on Friday, July 15th, 2016, playing until Sunday, July 24th, 2016 at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Disney's animated movie, based on the classic Hans Christian Anderson story, comes to vibrant life in the new Broadway musical written by Doug Wright, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. A discontented mermaid, Ariel, dreams of the world above the sea, and sacrifices her beautiful, captivating voice in search of true love and a sense of belonging. Full of great music (including "Part of Your World," "Kiss The Girl," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," and new songs written for the stage), dance, comedy, and romance, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID will take you to places no musical has ever gone before.

Returning to Cabrillo to Direct and Choreograph THE LITTLE MERMAID are Cabrillo favorites Larry Raben and Heather Castillo. Director Larry Raben is known for his hilarity and hijinks on the Cabrillo stage in shows like THE ANDREWS BROTHERS, THE PRODUCERS, and most recently A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, and his direction of Cabrillo's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN won him the coveted Ovation Award as Best Director. Choreographer Heather Castillo returns after choreographing multiple shows here, including THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ANNIE, and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Rounding out the artistic staff is Musical Director Colin Freeman, who will conduct the Cabrillo Music Theatre Orchestra.

Cabrillo Music Theatre's brand-new production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID features an eye-popping collection of new-to-Cabrillo talent, including Alison Bagli ("Ariel"), Conor Guzman ("Prince Eric"), Lawrence Cummings ("Sebastian"), and Debbie Prutsman ("Ursula"). They are joined by Cabrillo favorite David Engel as "King Triton." Engel has starred in numerous Cabrillo shows, portraying "Don Lockwood" in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, as well as leads in WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE PRODUCERS, and THE ANDREWS BROTHERS. As is a Cabrillo Music Theatre specialty, local young talent abounds, and THE LITTLE MERMAID will showcase future stars such as Michael Kennedy ("Flounder"), Lyrissa Leininger ("Adella"), and Missy Marion ("Andrina"). In all, a cast of thirty-nine and a full professional orchestra will bring THE LITTLE MERMAID to vibrant life.

"THE LITTLE MERMAID follows in the footsteps of last year's MARY POPPINS," says Cabrillo Music Theatre's Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. "Our audiences were blown away by MARY POPPINS and by our production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST several years back. THE LITTLE MERMAID, with it's enchanting songs and enduring humanity, brings depth and warmth to an already-popular story." Adds Wilkenfeld, "Remember, animated movies were fading back in the 1980s - until the creators of THE LITTLE MERMAID brought in Broadway talent to write the songs. So, in a way, THE LITTLE MERMAID, by evolving into a stage musical, is "coming home" to where it belongs!"

Cabrillo Music Theatre continues its nationally-recognized "Beyond the Footlights" Animal Rescue program during THE LITTLE MERMAID, in which many organizations from across the community bring their animals to the Civic Arts Plaza at all performances. At past productions, such as CATS, OKLAHOMA!, BYE BYE BIRDIE, and LEGALLY BLONDE, Cabrillo Music Theatre has found homes for many dozens of in-need animals, as well as helped to drive up donations and awareness for the organizations that do such good work. THE LITTLE MERMAID eagerly promises even more successful additions to families. Audiences should arrive early at all performances to check out these worthy local animal rescue groups. An animal rescue awareness kick-off event is scheduled for June 11th, to help draw more attention to these family-worthy animals.

Cabrillo Music Theatre's brand-new production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID is appropriate for all ages, and is a magical show for families to experience together. As with all Cabrillo shows, Cabrillo will feature a signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on Friday, July 22nd, at 8:00PM. In addition, to accommodate audience demand and requests from community seniors, a mid-week matinee performance has been added on Wednesday, July 20th, at 1:00PM, featuring lower prices for seniors and free parking.

Walk, run, or SWIM to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza! Spend your summer "Under the Sea" with Cabrillo Music Theatre's all-new production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID!

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM:

LARRY RABEN (Director) returns to Cabrillo having previously directed Singin' In The Rain (Ovation Award Best Direction) and Forever Plaid. He directed the world premiere of Tony winner Joe DiPietro's Falling For Eve Off-Broadway (York Theatre). Recently: Cinderella (Gateway Playhouse), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Music Theatre Wichita/Ogunquit Playhouse-IRNE Nom.), Buyer & Cellar (Laguna Playhouse/Coyote StageWorks-Desert Star Award Best Direction), When You Wish-the story of Walt Disney (Phoenix Theatre/Freud Theatre), Catch Me If You Can (Moonlight Amphitheater), Tru, Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas (CSW-all Desert Star Awards), La Cage Aux Folles (San Diego Music Theatre), Plaid Tidings (Walnut Street Theatre), Sunset Blvd., The Wedding Singer, Hairspray, The Thing About Men (Musical Theatre West), Love Makes The World Go Round (Phoenix Theatre), The Producers (Gateway Playhouse), Bark! (IE Award), Meet Me In St. Louis, Always Patsy Cline (Welk Theatre). A founding member of Coyote StageWorks (Palm Springs) and author of a children's book "Ibby Makes A Wish" available at Amazon.com.

HEATHER CASTILLO (Choreographer) is excited to be choreographing The Little Mermaid at Cabrillo Music Theatre. Other choreographic credits include: Meet Me In St. Louis, Annie, The Sound of Music (Ovation Nomination Best Musical), Cinderella, and The King and I for CMT; She Loves Me, 1940's Radio Hour, Seussical - (Best Choreography 2010 HYPERLINK "https://broadwayworld.com/" "_blank" broadwayworld.com) for CLO of SBC; The Fix, Loving Repeating for ICT; The Fix, Connecticut Yankee for MTG; Woyzeck for Ensemble Theatre Company. Beyond Musical theatre, Heather's foray into dance spans many facets and genres of dance including commercial work, dance education, adjudication, and research. Heather is an Assistant Professor of Performing Arts at California State University Channel Islands.

ABOUT THE CAST:

ALISON BAGLI (Ariel) As a Colorado native and recent CCM graduate, this will be Alison's first Cabrillo show. Recent credits include: "Ariel" in The Little Mermaid (The Palace Theatre,) "Olive" in ...Spelling Bee (Wells Fargo Theatre,) and "Mary Phagan" in Parade (The Carnegie.) Alison was also seen as "Wendy" in Peter Pan, "Sue Snell" in Carrie: The Musical, and "Thea" in Spring Awakening (CCM.) Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.alisonbagli.com"www.alisonbagli.com!

CONOR GUZMAN (Prince Eric) is thrilled to be making his debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre! A NYC-based actor/writer, Conor graduated from the University of Michigan's Musical Theatre Program. He's recently appeared as "Prince Topher" in the Gateway Playhouse's regional premiere of Cinderella-The Musical, as "Randy Curtis" in Lyric Stage's Lady in the Dark, and as "Frankie" in the NYC workshop of Allegiance-The Musical. Conor is a proud founder and board member of The Lucky Cricket Writer's Collective. With the help of LCC, Conor recently made his directorial and written debut with the premiere of his original play, Waisted, at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. Humongous thanks to his mom, Devin, and his friends and family for their incredible love and support. "Thank you for supporting the arts, and enjoy the show!" @conorguz @paysonpals

LAWRENCE CUMMINGS (Sebastian) has most recently appeared in LA area in Rent as "Angel" at La Mirada Theatre for Performing Arts, and in 3D Theatricals' Tarzan as "Terk" in Fullerton & Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Broadway/National/International Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar as "Jesus understudy," performed opposite Carl Anderson, Porgy and Bess as "Sportin Life", Camelot as "Merlyn understudy," performed opposite Lou Diamond Phillips, and Pippin for the Actors Fund Guild. Off Broadway: Foxy. Regional: Miss Saigon (Ovation nominated) as "John" La Mirada Theatre for Performing Arts & Macau International Music Festival in China, The Little Mermaid as "Sebastian" in the Regional Premieres Music Theatre of Wichita & Tuacahn Amphitheater, Honk as "Ugly" Music Theatre of Wichita, Smokey Joe's Cafe as "Victor" Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Music Theatre of Wichita, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, Welk Resorts Theatre, Candlelight Pavillion, Performance Riverside, Fox Riverside, and San Diego Music Theatre, The King and I as "Luntha" Music Theatre of Wichita, Grease as "Johnny Casino" Tuacahn Amphitheater, Jesus Christ Superstar as "Simon" Maine State Music Theatre, The Student Prince at Northshore Music Theatre, Dreamgirls as "Wayne" Moonlight Amphitheater, and Ragtime at Musical Theatre West. Cummings has performed in concert at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully and Avery Fisher Halls, Davies Symphony Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, and alongside Carly Simon singing duets at Fisher Center in upstate New York, the Knoxville Symphony, and the prestigious Orchestra of St. Lukes. Tv/Film: "Live from the Blue Palm" (BET) as a "VJ" and "Pirates of the Caribbean 3-At World's End" where he can also be found on the movie's Soundtrack. Other recordings, including his Christmas Album "A Simple Christmas," can be found on iTunes.

DEBBIE PRUTSMAN (Ursula) Debbie is a much sought-after performer on the Southern California musical theater scene performing from Los Angeles to San Diego and all points in between. She is best known for roles like "Mrs. Lovett" in Sweeney Todd (Musical Theater West, Candlelight Pavilion, Performance Riverside, Broadway at the Gardens,) "Grizabella" in Cats (Music Theater San Diego, Moonlight Amphitheater, Candlelight Pavilion, Broadway at the Gardens,) "Dolly Levi" in Hello Dolly! (Moonlight Amphitheater, Performance Riverside,) "La Carlotta" in Phantom (Moonlight Amphitheater, Downey CLO, Performance Riverside,) "Hesione" in Triumph of Love (Starlight Amphitheater and Riverside,) and "The Witch" in Into the Woods (Actor's Coop, Moonlight, SRO, Performance Riverside).

DAVID ENGEL (King Triton) Cabrillo audiences may remember David over the years in their productions of Joseph...Dreamcoat, The Andrews Brothers, The Producers, and in the Gene Kelly role in both productions of Singin' in the Rain. Broadway credits include Putting It Together (opposite Carol Burnett), the original production of La Cage aux Folles, and Seussical: The Musical. David created the role of "Smudge" in the original New York production of Forever Plaid, and again in Plaid Tidings and "Forever Plaid: The Movie". He has had starring roles in such shows as The Music Man, Addams Family, Crazy for You, Mary Poppins, The Full Monty, and many many others. Recently Mr. Engel was honored to star opposite film legend Leslie Caron in the two-hander Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at the Laguna Playhouse and was paired romantically opposite RuPaul in the award-winning cult musical short film "Zombie Prom".

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID will open on Friday, July 15th, 2016, and run through Sunday, July 24th. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm, with a special Wednesday Matinee performance for the public on July 20th at 1:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff, and audience will follow the Saturday, July 16th, 2:00pm performance. A signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be on Friday, July 22nd, at 8:00PM.

All tickets may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, or through any Ticketmaster location, or by phone (800) 745-3000. For groups of 10 or more, call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8613 x 6. Ticket prices range from $35-$75. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787). Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID performs exclusively at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE'S 2016-2017 Season will include EVITA (Fall 2016), SISTER ACT (Spring 2017) and PETER PAN (Summer 2017). This season all three high-flying musicals will be produced in the 1,800 seat Kavli Theatre. For membership and ticket information, call 805-497-8613 X 6 or visit www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the Ovation Award-winning Resident Musical Theatre Production Company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and the surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo's mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. By creating opportunity for up-and-coming performers and artists, Cabrillo has launched hundreds to success in theatre, movies, television and music, including Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee, and Tony nominee Stephanie J. Block. In addition, Cabrillo Music Theatre goes "Beyond the Footlights" with Outreach programs to give back to the community, and to provide enhanced theatre experiences for all audiences. Since the inception of "Beyond the Footlights," over 47,000 underserved children, in-need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre's productions at no charge. In addition, Cabrillo provides ASL signed performances of every production; talkbacks with cast and staff; and Cabrillo's Animal Rescue program, which raises funds and awareness for homeless and abused dogs and cats.