After exploring the Heights, Countryside Community Theatre is now preparing to plumb the depths, with a production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
“Growing up is for the birds (or in this case – the fish)! We aren’t allowing that in this theater,” said director Tristan Tapscott. “We are all kids again and about to go on a magical journey under the sea. Our world is full of chaos, and we are all in need of an escape. And we hope that’s what we can provide for you.
“We’re beyond excited to bring ‘The Little Mermaid’ to our audience. This production is a joyous celebration of music, love, and the magic that happens when we follow our dreams. We can’t wait to share this spectacular journey with you all!”
“One of the things I love most about Disney is that it brings out the kid in all of us, giving even us adults permission to spend time in a fantasy world,” added assistant director Kimberly Calhoun. “It’s been such a blast creating some Disney magic and bringing this over-the-top, colorful animated favorite to life.”
As the second show in CCT’s “Season of Dreams,” this production is also giving some of the cast a chance to live out their dreams, too.
“It’s a magical show, it really is,” said Ellerie Hurley, who plays Ariel. A student at Davenport Central, she returned for her second show with CCT, following last season’s “Footloose.”
In spite of the fun she’s been having working on the show, Hurley noted there is a little bit of pressure that comes with playing a Disney princess.
“I’ve done lots of shows before, but this is the biggest for me,” she said. “Being a Disney princess is pretty cool.”
Nicholas Munson, who plays the wicked sea witch Ursula, is making his CCT debut. Munson is a Bootlegger at Circa ’21 in Rock Island, where he has worked for the past 12 years. He said he’s been a performer since he was in third grade and was a member of the Moline Boys Choir.
He describes the show as “family-friendly and colorful. And the kids are so cute,” he added, referring to the children’s ensemble that appears in several numbers, including the classics “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl.”
“It’s a show for all ages,” he said. “This is the perfect show to bring your kids to.”
Hurley and Munson have both known director Tristan Tapscott for a few years and say they’ve enjoyed working with him on this show, too. Hurley met Tapscott when they did a cabaret at Circa ’21 in 2020 and has worked on several shows with him. Munson did an internship at Tapscott’s Harrison Hilltop Theatre and later was his roommate when they lived in an actor’s house together.
“He told me he was directing this show, and I was like, ‘Oh? Yes?’ He asked if I would audition, and I was like, ‘Absolutely!’” laughed Munson.
Working on this show has also given Hurley a chance to work with her dad, Kevin, who is doing the set design. While she said playing a Disney princess has been a dream come true, the show also has a special meaning for her family.
“(My dad) used to watch ‘The Little Mermaid’ with his sisters all the time, and he was very excited when I got Ariel. And they asked him to build the set. He was like, ‘This is amazing.’ So, it’s fun to be with him.”
“Dream roles and getting to work with family and friends,” said Munson.
“I’m honored to play Ursula,” he added. “This is perfect, because this has been my dream role, basically since I saw the Disney movie.” He has a tattoo of tentacles on his arm, inspired by the sea witch. “Ursula was my go-to. I’ve always loved Ursula, so just to have the chance to play her is my dream.
“I learned a long time ago that it’s fun to play the villains.”
The cast includes: Ellerie Hurley (Ariel); Carter Jargo (Prince Eric); Nicholas Munson (Ursula); Croix Baker (King Triton); Jack Carslake (Flounder); Zoe Zelnio (Scuttle); Joseph Nguyen (Sebastian); Wayne Hess (Grimsby); Yvonne Siddique (Flotsam); Stacy Barnett (Jetsam); Madison Fouts (Adella); Regan Tucker (Allana); Grace Mottet (Andrina); Tatum Kilburg (Aquata/Dance Captain); Erica Hillyer (Arista); Jillian Darland (Atina); Mallory Carslake (Chef Louis); Nate Gaghagen (Pilot/Ensemble); Kate Holsen (Adult Ensemble); Charlotte Madden (Adult Ensemble); Analisa Percuoco (Adult Ensemble); Evelyn Beltran (Children’s Ensemble); Zenziwe Dlamini (Children’s Ensemble); Jo Forgie (Children’s Ensemble); Ambellina Kelly (Children’s Ensemble); Addison McFarland (Children’s Ensemble); Anastasia McFarland (Children’s Ensemble); Madeline Rigg (Children’s Ensemble); Evelyn Rowe (Children’s Ensemble).
“The Little Mermaid” is directed by Tristan Tapscott, assisted by Kimberly Calhoun. The music director is Wendy Czekalski, and choreographer is Sara Tomasson.
Performances are Friday, July 26, Saturday, July 27, Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, and Sunday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m. in the North Scott Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets are $18 and are available at the door or at countryside.booktix.com.