Go Under the Sea

Suwanee Performing Arts’ performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.

Broadway in the Park has become perhaps one of Suwanee’s summer traditions. And this year, Town Center Park will go “Under the Sea” July 27 and 28 for Suwanee Performing Arts’ annual summer performance and fundraiser.

This marks the sixth year for the event and this year’s performance features Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., a condensed version of the Broadway production. The event will also feature Filligan’s Island, a one act take from Gilligan’s Island at 7 p.m. that was written and produced by SPA founders
Berneta Bock-Davis and Patty Etherton.

Etherton said last year they heard that Mermaid was going to be available for amateur licensing, and we knew that if this was the case, we had our Broadway in the Park show for summer 2012.

“Mermaid is colorful, fun and so many people are familiar with the show that attendees will be able to sing along making the experience even more memorable” Etherton said.
Auditions for the show were held in April. “We have alot of talent that comes in the door,” Etherton said. “We have a lot of old faces, but we also have some fresh new faces that will please the audience.”

With more than 75 cast and crew members, Etherton said that most of the cast are from the Suwanee area. Ariel will be played by Erin Caruso, who attends North Gwinnett High School, and Etherton said Caruso truly embodies the spirit of the favored Disney Princess. Prince Eric will be played by Justin Hermosilla, a graduate of Peachtree Ridge High School.

With just three weeks of rehearsals, cast, crew and volunteers work to get things ready to bring the magic onstage at the Town Center Park Amphitheater.

“We won’t let anything go onstage that does not pass the critical eye of our artistic director Berneta Bock Davis,” Etherton said.

Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love” and Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.” In addition the show will require some audience participation from the younger members as Ariel will need some help and those with a “Light up Sea Urchin” (available for $5 at the event) will be asked to help make a whirlpool to send Ursula, the evil sea witch, back to the deepest part of the sea.

“The participants will never forget the roar of the hometown crowd as they take the stage and the audience will never forget the memories created,” Etherton said. Children will be captivated at an “Under the Sea” Tea and meet and greet with Ariel and her friends that will start the festivities each performance day at 10:30 a.m. at Town Center Park.

Tickets are $25 per child and should be purchased in advance by contacting SPA at 770-821-7654.

Admission to the performance is free to the public, so arrive early for best seating, to visit the Island Market featuring ship-themed vendors and activities from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. and to dine at one of Town Center’s local restaurants.

Corporate and patron sponsorships are available. SPA is a nonprofit community arts organization founded on the principle that art is life and ignites a passion for excellence in community through the performing arts. For more information or to donate, visit suwaneeperformingarts.com.