Janice Kraus has been involved in youth theater for more than 25 years, but her latest production is nothing like anything she has done in the past. From the set design, lighting, to the numerous w…
Janice Kraus has been involved in youth theater for more than 25 years, but her latest production is nothing like anything she has done in the past.
From the set design, lighting, to the numerous wigs and custom-designed costumes for the leads and in-house costumes made for the ensemble cast, the production has been a labor of love for the producer and director of Brea Youth Theater’s “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”
“We knew we were doing this show a long time ago, but everything really just came together about two months ago, ” Kraus said. “That’s the hardest part. The most rewarding part is that you are starting from scratch, so you have the creativity to build this whole new production, but it’s extremely difficult. Especially when you have a large cast. You have to put a costume on all those bodies. And they are not people, they are fish.”
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid, ” which runs through July 30, is the latest in a long list of productions directed by Kraus, who has organized a youth theater production at the Curtis Theatre every year since she started her Stagelight Productions in 1991.
More than 240 people are part of the production – they are split into two casts for the show with ages ranging from 5 to 60.
“I still try to make this a learning experience for those that are involved, ” Kraus said. “If you want to continue in theater, you have to learn this process. It is waiting, acting, singing, dancing and getting a well-rounded view of what live theater really is.”
Rhyan Bellanger of Brea and Audrey Bivens of Placentia, both who have participated in past Brea Youth Theater productions, were cast in lead roles as Ariel. Kraus said their acting ability and strong vocals set them apart.
Kraus said she decided on doing this musical about a year ago, even though it would take a lot of time put together sets and costumes for the first-time staging.
“You have to interject new shows periodically, because that’s what the kids want to participate in, ” Kraus said. “They want the Disney shows. I don’ t think they are interested in ‘Oliver Twist’ anymore and I don’ t think you can get the same draw that you could for a ‘Little Mermaid,’ ‘Mary Poppins’ or ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from the crowd or the participation side.”
***If you go
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”
When: Thursdays through Sundays from July 13-30; two shows each day on the weekend
Where: Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea
Cost: $15; tickets may be purchased at the box office or by calling 714-990-7722
Information: curtistheatre.com
