Under the sea
Fifteen-year-old Sydney Jacobson and 18-year-old Daniel Renz play Ariel and Prince Eric in "The Little Mermaid," presented by Christian Youth Theater at the Salvation Army Kroc Center theater. The show opens tonight. Courtesy photo
Daniel Renz, 18, plays the role of Prince Eric in Disney's "The Little Mermaid," opening tonight at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center theater. Courtesy photo
Sydney Jacobson, 15, plays the role of Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid," opening tonight at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center theater. Courtesy photo
Young actors welcome audiences to a magical kingdom under the sea with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” opening tonight at 7 p.m.
“We are all so excited for people to come watch so we can share the energy,” said 15-year-old Sydney Jacobson, playing Ariel. “All of the characters have great relationships off stage so it’s very cool to play our roles together because we are all like a big family.”
The show is put on by actors between the ages of 8 and 18, offering a stage for young entertainers.
“People should come see the show because it will take you out of this crazy world we live in and immerse you in the Disney magic we all love, plus beautiful music, fun dance numbers and hilarious characters,” said Daniel Renz, 18.
Renz will be playing Prince Eric. The show is based on a story by Hans Christian Anderson. It follows the journey of princess Ariel, a mermaid, who dreams of pursuing the human Prince Eric in the world above the sea and must make a bargain to receive her wish.
"What I love most about playing Eric is the message of not giving up on what’s most important to you,” Renz said. “Feeling stuck in a place you don’t feel like you belong and wanting to chase your ambitions and dreams — and having the determination to not give up — because even though it might take a while to get what you want, if you’re consistent and chase your dreams, you will get what you want in the end.”
Ashley Clevland, 15, playing Flotsam, said a lot of work was put into the show, from amazing sets, to colorful costumes and all the characters. The show will also be the first presented in the Salvation Army Kroc Center since it received a near $800K upgrade.
“I think the audience will be surprised to find out how beautiful this show’s story is once mixed with live performance, a strong cast and a marvelous stage,” said Donivan Floyd, 17, who plays Grimsby.
Show dates are Feb. 25 and 27, and March 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 27 and 28 and March 5 and 6 at 3 p.m. at the Kroc Center Theater in Coeur d’Alene. School day showings are March 2 and 3.
Tickets online are $16 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 and seniors over 65 and $14 for group tickets with a minimum of 10 tickets. Door price is $18. On Feb. 27, there will be a family discount with $13 tickets for the matinee.
Tickets: cytnorthidaho.org/Shows
