Dive ‘Under the Sea’ with the Hale Center Theater Orem’s ‘Little Mermaid’
Arianna Higbee and Tanner Perelle perform as Ariel and Flounder in the Hale Center Theater Orem production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Arianna Higbee performs as Ariel in the Hale Center Theater Orem production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Lauren Pope portrays Ariel in one cast of the Hale Center Theater Orem production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Lauren Pope performs as Ariel in the Hale Center Theater Orem production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Arianna Higbee performs as Ariel in the Hale Center Theater Orem production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
In 1989, Disney took a tragic, 150-year-old tale by Hans Christian Andersen, meshed it with a variety of excellent characters and tunes, and wove it into the beloved film “The Little Mermaid.” The story went from a forlorn mermaid princess who met her fate as seafoam to the energetic, catchy, tune-filled classic happily ever-after that is now firmly a part of Disney canon.
Nearly 20 years later in 2008, the story evolved once more with the help of acclaimed Disney music genius Alan Menken, writer Doug Wright and lyricist Howard Ashman, moving from animated film to a live-action production on Broadway and bringing more songs and more depth (pardon the pun) to the under-the-sea characters. That version is the one coming to the stage of the Hale Center Theater in Orem starting Friday.
“One of the good things about the stage play is that you get more of a back story for Ursula,” said Mackenzie Seiler, who brings the sea witch to life in the show. “For instance, she is King Triton’s sister. Because of this new development with them being siblings there’s a little more depth as to why she does what she does to gain control over the seas.”
As further exposition, the stage production details how Ursula and Triton are children of Poseidon and ruled the oceans equally after his death until Ursula’s use of black magic led Triton to take over full control. It’s safe to say that doesn’t go over well, and Ursula battles vigorously to regain control of the waters.
“I’m surprised that I do relate to Ursula a lot,” Seiler said of her role. “She would do anything to make her dreams come true or (gain) whatever she desires. I have that same fight, that same desire in me. I am the type of person who will work on achieving dreams, desires and goals.”
That’s only the beginning for why Seiler is fond of the character Ursula, though.
“One of the reasons why Ursula has always been a dream role for me is because she is a full-figured woman,” Seiler said. “I love that here is this character who is beautiful, fun and sassy in all her full-figured glory. She’s also confident and sexy and the type of person who goes after what she wants and won’t take no for an answer. I love that with this character I can just be in my own skin and do what I do best and have people accept me for who I am.”
As most people are probably aware, the plot of “The Little Mermaid” hinges on Ursula, the “villain,” who takes Ariel’s beautiful singing voice and gives her legs, with a limited-time opportunity to try and woo her prince. Though the decisions made in the show aren’t the most sound, according to Seiler, it gives audiences plenty to learn from.
“One thing I hope that people take away from the show is the fact it’s OK to make mistakes,” she said. “You look at the character Ariel. She’s the one who goes to the sea witch and trades her voice away for legs. Was it a smart idea? Probably not, but she still did it and overall it did work out for her in the end. We live in a society and in a time where we’re always trying to be perceived as better than what we are, but I personally get exhausted trying to keep up with this generation. I am proud of every single one of my mistakes, and they have helped build me into who I am now. So yeah, my biggest thing that I hope people take away from the show is to not be afraid to make mistakes. Just be open to learn from them and then live your life.”
Dave Burton, who portrays King Triton, feels similarly about mistakes.
“My favorite moment in the show is my scene with Ariel at the end that leads to (Triton) transforming her back into a human,” he said. “I think it is so tender. He dumps the bravado we see throughout the show and completely softens. He admits he is wrong, which can be very hard for a tough guy to do. He asks her forgiveness and then says he is proud of her for who she really is — not for doing what he wants her to do, but for ‘seeing the good in people even when (he) couldn’t.’ “
Diving under the sea to take on the role of King Triton was an interesting process for Burton, especially since, in his words, Triton is such “a fascinating character.”
“His reputation precedes him,” Burton said of the king. “I think you actually hear about him more than you see him on stage. So there’s big shoes, or um, fins to fill. It’s also difficult portraying a character people have seen over the years in the Disney cartoon. I have to walk a fine line between giving people what they expect to see in an iconic character and making it my own.”
According to Burton, the Broadway version of the show lends more flexibility to that with exposition on Triton’s wife and even his relationship with his sister Ursula and his children. The way Triton acts lends important insight into real-world parenting.
“I think children really do need to be free to be who they are,” Burton said. “As parents we can guide them and provide them with opportunities … but ultimately they get to choose the path they will take, and as we open our minds to the interests of our children we might also see our own preconceived notions, biases and prejudices fall apart.”
Speaking of preconceived notions, Hale Center Theater Orem’s resident designer and technical director has a whole new perspective on them since tackling the role of Ursula himself.
Cole McClure, who is double cast as Ursula, has been designing sets and costumes and doing sound at the theater for just over four years now, but has always had a passion for theater, and the incredible things the HCTO can do on its 16-foot-by-20-foot stage. Creating the world of “The Little Mermaid,” for him, has been no different.
“I have had a special connection with ‘Little Mermaid’ since I was a little kid,” he said. “I would force my family members to watch me sing ‘Part of Your World’ in my grandma’s kitchen. Now, having the chance to do the show, I have taken on a huge amount of work: designing the set, costumes, sound and technical elements. I want little kids to walk into the theater and feel like they have been transported under the sea. And hopefully instill in them a great love of theater and storytelling and to let their imaginations run wild.”
As a male performer taking on the role of an incredibly strong female character, McClure said he’s had his challenges, but overall, it’s been an interesting process.
“Being male, it is difficult to always be in constant thought of how I am moving and speaking, and trying to create that illusion that I am female,” he said. “It is also a very challenging vocal role. Ursula has some very big songs in the show and everyone knows them, so I want to give everyone the classic but with a little touch of my style to them.”
Becoming Ursula in appearance is a process McClure said takes about three hours, a ridiculously large amount of makeup and “a whole lot of spanks and foam.” Then there’s taking the character from the dressing room to the stage.
“It is very demanding physically in 6-inch heels with this gigantic costume and wig on,” McClure said. “And also emotionally. We have tried to take her on a journey through the show, and at the end she loses her cool a bit and goes a little crazy. Portraying that has been very hard and fun. I want it to feel real and meaningful and not silly: It’s a fine line to walk.”
Ultimately, McClure said he hopes the show provides audiences with two hours of escape.
“I hope people take away the importance of loving and being loved, acceptance and having an adventurous spirit,” he said.
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
What: A musical under-the-sea adventure based on the hit Disney film.
Where: Hale Center Theater Orem, 225 W. 400 North, Orem
When: Friday through April 14 with evening performances Monday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. An additional 11 a.m. Saturday matinee will be offered weekly starting March 17.
Cost: $14-$24
Info: (801) 226-8600, haletheater.org