A wondrous musical world comes alive for children in a production of “The Tail of the Little Mermaid” that will be presented in Munster.
Theatre at the Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences has performances set for April 3-9.
“It’s an original-script musical that follows the original Hans Christian Andersen tale,” director Charlie Misovye said.
Misovye said aside from “being a great adventure,” the musical has messages for children that involve sacrifice and teamwork.
Additionally, there is pure entertainment value in the story that shows the tussle between good and evil.
“There’s a lot of music and movement and colorful costumes,” said Misovye, a resident of Chicago Heights, Ill.
The stage presentation, which features a cast of nine, tells the story of the Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a handsome human prince.
With the help of her friends on land and in the sea, the mermaid sacrifices part of her world to join the prince in his, according to Theatre for Young Audiences.
Allyssa O’Donnell, of Chicago, has the key role of the Little Mermaid in the stage presentation that is aimed at kids preschool through fifth grade.
O’Donnell views the mermaid she plays as a youth “who’s just ready to experience the world.”
Something beckons from beyond the aquatic realm.
“She’s ready to go out and have adventure and see what’s beyond this small world that she’s grown up in,” said O’Donnell, a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie.
The actress and singer said “it’s a blast” to be in the Munster production, which finds her wearing a mermaid costume and playing an energetic character.
The 25-year-old performer believes the musical about a fantasy character manages to convey real-life lessons to youngsters.
“It’s all about trusting your heart and knowing what you believe is right and going out and finding the life that’s going to make you happy,” O’Donnell said.
Conveying the play’s messages is a cast of professional actors and actresses, Misovye said.
“We have some really outstanding voices that are featured in the show,” he said.
There are 10 performances of the production designed for school groups, with the final four shows aimed at the general public.
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As a complementary feature of the public performances, “The Prince and Princess Party” is set for 10 a.m. to noon on April 8, in The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, the home of Theatre at the Center.
Food, beverages and colorful things to do will highlight the bash, which costs $12 per person.
Fun with costuming and creative activities are part of the mix.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘The Tail of the Little Mermaid’
Where: Theatre at the Center in The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: School performances at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. April 3-7; public performances at 10 a.m. and noon April 8 and 9
Tickets: School group: $6.50 students, $8 adults, $5.50 per person for 100 or more paid student reservations; public admission: $7.50 children, $9.50 adults
Information: 219-836-3255, www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com