Disney's "The Little Mermaid" Musical, presented by Artios Academy Sugar Hill, performed at The Buford Community Theatre

“…incredibly visually engaging and entertaining from start to finish!” That describes the upcoming Artios Academy’s production of The Little Mermaid. “Expect a high level of excellence from the students involved. This is not your average high school production,” says Ben Toler, Director.

The spectacular musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid, will be brought to life by the creative and energetic cast of Artios Academy Sugar Hill on May 18th through May 20th at the Buford Community Theatre. Under the unique direction of Ben Toler and choreographer Windy Lane, with sensational eye-catching costumes designed by Brandy Huneycutt, this cherished classic will have you "dancing" in the aisles and "singing" as you leave the theatre.

Nearly 70 students are involved in the production of Little Mermaid, from crew, costume, construction, and makeup to ensemble and principles. “The students are at varying, yet high, levels of skill and artistry,” explains Mr. Toler. “Many of them have fairly extensive educational and professional resumes already. But the ‘caliber’ of the students goes well beyond their knowledge and skills in theatre. Each one of the students involved is so because they are highly invested in the program. Simply put - they're here because they want to be.”

The high school students of Artios Academy Sugar Hill bring an element of excitement and freshness to this high-energy production. “I would describe the choreography as ‘unexpected’ from what you would traditionally see in the musical staging of The Little Mermaid,” according to Windy Lane, choreographer. “This show has everything...from hilarious, yet highly impressive broadway-like choreography in songs like "Positoovity”, “Under the Sea", and "Kiss the Girl", to a dark and creepy modern/hip hop-like take in "Poor Unfortunate Soul". All with visually stunning costumes, over-sized puppetry, acrobatic movement, and more.”

Disney's The Little Mermaid musical, based on the beloved story by Hans Christian Anderson and the fun-loving animated Disney film, is about a beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to leave her magical kingdom under the sea to live in a world above. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, this fishy fable will capture your hearts. “The theme of this show is being careful of your desires,” explains Mr. Toler. “Ariel feels drawn towards a world apart from the one she's always known, which can be a wonderful thing which has led so many people down the paths of discovery, wisdom, and artistry over the ages. However, her desire overshadows any wisdom, caution, or concern for the people around her and her father and others are endangered and pay horrible prices for her defiance. We admire Ariel for her determination and her willingness to see past blind prejudice, but we are also warned by her narrow escapes and the dire stakes that her choices were, overall, foolish. She is saved, not by her own grit, but by the love of the people closest to her.”

Professional and semi-professional theatre companies, in addition to a variety of high schools, have done Little Mermaid. What can the audience expect from the Artios Production of this treasured and timeless classic? “This production is meant to be a bit more of a mature version of the Little Mermaid,” begins Mr. Toler. “You will see a richer color palette and a slightly more realistic and distressed look. The hope is that this will ground the production and keep the interest of both the adults and the children.”

Artios Academies is a private, accredited school with locations throughout the nation. Artios Academies of Sugar Hill include programs of study in Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Music Conservatory and College Preparatory for K-12th grades. The production of The Little Mermaid” marks the 15th year of performing arts productions by Artios Academies in the Atlanta area.

Performances for The Little Mermaid, presented by Artios Academy Sugar Hill at The Buford Community Theatre, are Thursday, May 18th at 7pm; Friday, May 19th at 11am and 7pm; Saturday, May 20th at 2pm and 7pm. The cost is $15 for all shows, except for the Friday morning school show, which is $12. Friday morning attendees receive the added treat of a “meet and greet” the cast. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/artios-academies-of-sugar-hill-8358455471 . You can also call the school at 770-330-4629 for more information.