By: Cailyn Kennedy 

Join us under the sea as the Elysian Players Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid comes to Lenoir Community College Sept. 22 – 24 and Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. This production is presented in partnership with the LCC Foundation. The show is sure to drag you out of your seats by its tentacles and into the magical world of The Little Mermaid.

This show, directed by Jordan Amburn, president of Elysian Players, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. You can also catch another full weekend of the production at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 and at 3 p.m. Oct. 1. Tickets are available at www.lenoircc.edu/thelittlemermaid. Ticket prices are $15 for accessible seating, $20 for orchestra seating, and $15 for standard seating. Student standard seating (ages 4-17; 18+ student ID required) is $10.  

The Little Mermaid begins its story under the sea, where we find Ariel, the adventurous mermaid dreaming of a life far bigger than the one she has. Despite her father, King Triton, constantly warning her of the dangers above water, she cannot help but wonder about the mysterious world above. Striking a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, Ariel finally has an opportunity to be a part of the human world she has always craved to see. Only to do this, she must sacrifice more than she ever imagined. No matter the challenge, Ariel is determined to explore this new world and find a way to her prince charming, Eric, a human. Going on the adventure of a lifetime, she experiences more love, bravery, betrayal, and magic than you could imagine.

Taking on the role of Scuttle, Ariel's friend and the bird who helps her explore the world above is River Durham. Durham has had a wonderful time flapping about in this show with his cast members and can't wait for the audience to see what they've created together! His previous roles include Wilbur Wright in Flight, Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr., and Albert J. Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie Youth. Durham would like to thank Jordan Amburn for giving him the wonderful opportunity to work with him once again!

King Triton, King under the Sea, will be portrayed by Nathan Coles. Coles is thrilled to join another Elysian Players' production. Most recently, he performed as Bill Sikes in Oliver, Pharaoh and Simeon in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Frank Abagnale Sr. in Catch Me If You Can, Juan Peron in Evita, and Capt. Jack Ross in A Few Good Men. He wishes to express his love and thanks to his fiancé Lauren, his parents, Nancy, Gabe, Claire, and the cast/crew.

Marcus Jones will be playing the part of Jetsam, one of Ursula's eel minions. Jones has participated in several musical productions at LCC and is currently a student in the LCC Music Program while working full-time at US Cellular. He has performed in many places like Smiles and Frowns Theatre in Ayden, and the Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World in Florida. 

Playing Flotsam, the other eel minion to Ursula, is Emily Hopkins. She is excited to be performing in Elysian's production of The Little Mermaid. You may have seen her in previous roles as Zellery in Love Bites and Biondello in Taming of the Shrew. Hopkins would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support.

Anthony Furr will be stepping into the shoes of Chef Louis. Furr is delighted to take the stage with old friends and new faces! He is an Elysian veteran, and he is also involved with Carteret Community Theatre. You may have seen him previously as Judas in Godspell, Father Tom in Making God Laugh, or Tranio in The Taming of the Shrew.