Plays in The Park Hits a High Note with The Little Mermaid Jr.

Description: Join the People of Southeast Colorado for the Plays in the Park production of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. in La Junta this weekend. Photos by Adrian Hart.

Plays in The Park Hits a High Note with The Little Mermaid Jr.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is a beloved animated classic that continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and iconic music. Released in 1989, the film is based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human, played by Gianna Ayala, who masterfully plays the part with pitch perfect vocals.

The musical performances bring this production above the Youth-led theater's previous shows and elevates the youth theater camp to new levels. We're not sure if the on par vocals or the fact that the production was only rehearsed for two-weeks prior to performance is more astounding.

Directors Bethany Taullie and Kaydance Salazar do a fantastic job coordinating the musical numbers, blocking, and youth acting for the third year of La Junta's Plays in the Park.

The fairytale plot follows Ariel as she falls in love with a human prince named Eric, played by Skylar Finkner, who helps Ariel find her voice through dance.

In her quest to be with him, she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula, played by Maranatha Hoyt, who elevates the production with her villainous vocals. The Sea Witch ensnares Ariel into trading her voice for human legs. Ariel's journey is filled with challenges and discoveries, making for a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

The characters are well-developed and memorable, from Ariel's inquisitive and adventurous nature to Ursula's cunning and malevolent persona.

Supporting characters like Sebastian the crab, played by Noah Nunez-Rebel, Flounder the fish, played by Jaron Hoyt and Scuttle the seagull, Andrew Benjamin add humor and heart to the story.

The set for "The Little Mermaid Jr" is vibrant and beautifully crafted, with underwater scenes that are visually stunning.

The music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, is one of the student production's standout features. Songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl" have become timeless classics, celebrated for their catchy melodies and lyrical storytelling.

The sound levels were spot-on in this more controlled venue thanks to Art Matters Productions for running the audio 

Overall, Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr" performed by Plays in the Park is a delightful and magical musical that appeals to audiences of all ages. Its engaging story, memorable music, and charming characters make it a timeless classic on stage.

As a Plays in the Park production, "The Little Mermaid Jr." continues to enchant and inspire. This is the Youthled Theater's third production and certainly elevates the troupe's reputation as a youth theater company capable of bringing magical musicals to stage under the sea and in Southeast Colorado. 

The Little Mermaid JR. Cast List

Ariel: Gianna Ayala

Prince Eric: Skylar Finkner

Sebastian: Noah Nunez-Rebel

Ursula: Maranatha Hoyt

Flounder: Jaron Hoyt

Scuttle: Andrew Benjamin

Chef Louis; Ezra Collins

Aquata: Maizie Hoyt

Andrina: Acynn Good-Coates

Arista: Aubriella Pineda

Atina: Isabella Ortiz

Adella: Alexa Hernandez

Allana: Zyana Gendreau

Pilot: Adriana Ayala

King Triton: Ezra Collins

Grimsby: Jaqueline Becerra

Flotsam: Adriana Ayala

Jetsam: Kenzie Grasmick

Carlotta: Athena Honeycut

Seahorse: Zadock Collins

Seagulls: Jaqueline Becerra, Athena Honeycut

Princesses: Maizie Hoyt, Acynn Good-Coates, Aubriella Pineda, Sarai Lowe, Alexa Hernandez, Zyana Gendreau

Sea Creature Ensemble: Mckenna Turner, Xandria Gonzalez, Zadock Collins, Athena Honeycut

Chef Ensemble: Maizie Hoyt, Acynn Good-Coates, Aubriella Pineda, Sarai Lowe, Alexa Hernandez, Zyana Gendreau, Mckenna Turner, Xandria Gonzalez

Ocean Ensemble: Jaqueline Becerra, Athena Honeycut, Mckenna Turner, Xandria Gonzalez, Sarai Lowe, Acynn Good-Coates

Production dates/location: 

Friday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m

Thyme Square 

Downstairs Banquet Hall 

302 Colorado Ave, La Junta 

$10 General Admission 

Tickets can be purchased at the door (doors open 30 minutes before each show begins) or online at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/plays-in-the-park-youth-led-theatre-company/the-little-mermaid-jr-1453590205

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