Bay Ridge

Narrows Community Theater brings ‘The Little Mermaid’ to Bay Ridge

August 4, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The cast of the Narrows Community Theater production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is busy rehearsing for opening night on Aug. 18. Photo by Jessica Specht
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As part of its mission, the nonprofit Narrows Community Theater in Bay Ridge works during the summer with children on a theatrical production aimed at instilling a love of the arts in young people.

This summer, the Narrows Community Theater (NCT) will present a cast of young actors in the Disney musical “The Little Mermaid” at the theater on the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton. The fort’s main entrance is located on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street. Visitors must present a photo ID to enter the base.

Opening night is Friday, Aug. 18. The schedule of performances is as follows: Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater, 101st Street.

The cast of “The Little Mermaid” is filled with Bay Ridge kids, according to an NCT press release. Abigail Summa stars as “Ariel.” Andrew Gonzalez portrays “Prince Eric.” Amanda Summa is “Flounder.” Steven Fazzolari plays “Scuttle.” Brian Mansell will portray “King Triton.” “Sebastian” will be played by Liam Specht and Caitlyn Schmidt will portray “Ursula.”  

There are local 50 kids in the ensemble.

The plot of the beloved musical involves “Ariel,” a rebellious 16-year-old mermaid who is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface she falls for a human prince and makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch “Ursula” to become human for three days. When plans go awry for Ariel and her prince, her father the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.

“The Little Mermaid” is based on a 1989 movie musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. Doug Wright wrote the book for the musical.

The songs include such gems as “Part of Your World” and the calypso classic “Under the Sea.”

NCT President Marla Gotay said the young performers in the show are impressive.

“As returning President of Narrows Community Theater, I am so proud to work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of children, but above all I am so ecstatic that we have assembled such a remarkable creative team. Stearns Matthews, director, is a multi talented director with music director experience and comes highly qualified working with children of all ages. Greg Matteson, music director from day one has showed such an expert technique to teach these children of all levels the many aspects of the music score,” Gotay said in a statement.

Gotay also praised choreographer Katie Rose McLaughlin, assistant choreographer Emily Missud, set designer Patrick Nash, lighting designer Duane Pagano and stage manager Eric Braunstein.

“I can speak for all of us, cast, creative team and board members, and I cannot wait to see the colorful finished product,” Gotay stated.

For ticket reservations and information call NCT at 718-482-3173, email [email protected] or order tickets online at NarrowsCommunityTheater.com.

 

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