Rehearsals are underway at Centenary Stage Company for their upcoming production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The production serves as CSC’s “Holiday Spectacular”; a family-friendly show fit for sharing with the whole family during the Holiday season. Disney’s the Little Mermaid follows the journey of Ariel, a young mermaid with an unquenchable thirst for exploration and her quest to find true love, and where she truly belongs; in the sea she’s always known or the mysterious land of the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories and the Disney animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a love story appropriate for all ages.  The production features music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright.  

The production features all of the songs from the Disney film and more, including “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”, and “Part of Your World” all performed by a cast made up of industry professionals, Centenary University Students, and local actors from the community. Centenary Stage Company’s production will feature 16 performances throughout the run which includes a special matinee on Tuesday, Dec 5^th at 10:00 am for school groups as a field trip opportunity. 

Families also have the opportunity to register for “Mermaid Memories” and have their child(ren) takephotos with members of the cast, including Ariel following the 2:00 PM matinee on Sat., December 2^nd. Photos are $10.00 for individual children and $25.00 for groups of 3-6. Photos will be sent digitally for families to print at home. Registration to sign up for photos will be done at intermission and following the performance and can be made in advance by calling the CSC box office.  

Co-Directing and Choreographing this production of Disney’sThe Little Mermaid are Lea Antolini-Lid and Michael Restaino.  

Lea Antolini-Lid received her BMA in classical voice from the University of the Arts and her MFA in acting from Brandeis University where she also had the opportunity to teach movement for the actor under the tutelage of Susan Dibble. She has performed professionally in NYC and in cities on the east coast. Lea traveled to China with Nai – Ni Chen Dance to teach at Kunming University. She is also a founding member and managing director of the XY DANCE PROJECT. Antolini is a member in training with Blessed Unrest Theater Company in NYC, and a member of AEA. She also serves as Director of CSC’s Young Audience Series Tour and Producer of the NEXTstage Rep. Summer Series.  

Michael Restaino is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Currently serving as the Manager of Creative Production Integrity at RWS Global, Michael oversees all productions at sea, internationally. In addition to his role at RWS, Michael is the founder of Michael Anthony Theatrical, one of the leading cabaret companies in New York City. Michael’s leadership extends to The Actors Studio of New Jersey, an emerging professional theater company focused on becoming a hub for artistic expression and innovation. As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. Most recently Michael directed CSC’s summer production of Rock of Ages.  

Performance dates and times for Disney’s The Little Mermaid are Thursdays, November 30 and December 7 at 7:30 pm; Fridays, November 24 and December 1 and 8 at 8:00 pm; Saturdays, November 25 and December 2 and 9 at 8:00 pm; and Sundays, November 26 and December 3 and 10 at 2:00 pm; with special additional matinee performances at 2:00 pm on Friday November 24, Wednesday November 29, Saturday December 2, and Wednesday December 6. Tickets range from $25.00 – $30.00 for adults with discounts available for seniors, students, and children under 12 for select performances and Thursday evening performances. The preview matinee performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid on November 24 will also feature a special offer for Hackettstown Residents with proof of address. 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. 

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers.