Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. to Swim Into Maltz Jupiter Theatre This Month

Take a journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.!

International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical on July 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the Theatre's stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children.

The show will star 49 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts' three-week Junior Conservatory summer camp (grades 3-5), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.

Adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture and based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most iconic stories, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

With lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, music by Alan Menken and book by Doug White, the musical features the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music known from the film. Beloved Disney songs that will now be performed onstage include "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl."

"Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. features a lesson-filled journey, sing-a-long songs and a magical story that Audience members of all ages will love," said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory.

Recently seen onstage in the Theatre's professional productions of Les Miserables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past two years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Senior Conservatory's hit productions of SEUSSICAL and Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre's productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.

"I'm ecstatic to be directing and choreographing such a wonderful adventure on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage," Nahas said. "Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. is a buoyant, fun-filled musical that will remind all Audience members why they first fell in love with Ariel's undersea adventures. I'd like to encourage everyone to come see our area's talented local young performers in this vibrant show."

During camp, Nahas will guide students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a fast-paced rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they've learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.

The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic and properties design by the Theatre's properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre's resident Sound Designer Marty Mets, lighting design by Ardean Landuis, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio and dance instruction assistance from Conservatory faculty member Alexa Evans. Conservatory faculty member Lea Roy will serve as the production's acting coach, with additional assistance from production assistants Olivia Perrin, Natalie Czochanski and Annaya Osborne. Local middle and high school students from the Theatre's Youth Artists' Chair summer internship program and Career Apprenticeship Program will be assisting with the show. Both programs are sponsored by Marty Zipern and the Jorgensen Foundation.

Showtimes for the Conservatory's upcoming production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. are 7:30 p.m on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory's students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of nearly 7,600 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Photo Credit: Janie Willison

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