CYT Presents: The Little Mermaid

The land under the sea splashes onto stage as Ariel, Eric, King Neptune and the cast come to life in the production of The Little Mermaid by the Christian Youth Theater.

“This is a fun show full of colorful characters, costumes, a lot of fun, original songs and a great set,” said Lindsey Branson, who handles marketing for CYT.

In the original CYT production Ariel, played by 15-year-old Madison Bennett of Gurnee, makes a deal with a sea witch to trade in her fins for a pair of legs, a new love and a whole world of adventure.

The story teaches valuable life lessons as Ariel misbehaves then suffers the consequences and asks for forgiveness.

Acting as the Triton under the sea is King Neptune, Ariel’s father, played by 15-year-old Daniel Skinner of Grayslake.

“This is probably the largest role I’ve had experience with,” said Skinner who has done nine CYT shows over the past six years.

“I’ve watched the older kids on stage as my mentors for so long, and now I am one of those older kids,” Skinner said. “It’s almost a sense of awe. We really have to step it up.”

Considered in that group of older kids is Thea Stephens, 16, of Grayslake. Acting with CYT since she was 6 years old, Stephens will perform as a palace servant and dancer in Mermaid.

“This cast has really bonded together compared to other shows,” Stephens said. “We really are a team and you can see how obvious that is in the show.”

A total of 101 actors from around Lake County are working hard to perfect their skills for the February 9 opening performance at the

The cast members, ranging in age from eight to eighteen, practice twice a week since being cast in December. Some are seasoned performers with CYT, for others this is their first production.

“We’ve really been able to see our actors grow into their roles over the past several weeks,” said Mermaid Director Michele Christensen.

“I try to teach them the music, lines, blocking and moves as fast as possible so they can really work on the details of their performance and really develop their character,” said Christensen.

“I think everyone who sees this show will be amazed at the quality of the performances of these kids," she added. “It’s going to be a great production.”

The Little Mermaid runs February 9 - 12 at the .

Tickets start at $9 and are available at www.cytchicago.org or by calling 847-516-2298. Group, child, senior and school discounts are available.

About Christian Youth Theater

Christian Youth Theater is a non-profit organization that offers students age four to 18 acting classes and opportunities through full-stage musical productions.

CYT was founded in 1981 in San Diego, California and is now the largest youth theater in the nation.

Locally CYT offers three fully-staged musical productions a year with summer camps and classes in drama, voice, music, dance, make-up and set-building.

It’s something that has helped Thea Stephens, 16, of Grayslake, build character and confidence.

“It’s [CYT] has had such a big impact on me in general,” Stephens said. “I’ve just never been scared to talk to anyone or in front of a group.”

 “It really opens us up to a whole world of possibilities,” said Daniel Skinner, 15, of Grayslake. “It really makes you reflect on your emotions, and the emotions of other people.”

“There’s a real strong sense of community with CYT and that’s important,” said Lisa Westerberg of Grayslake. Her daughter Jenna, 17, will retire following The Little Mermaid after ten years and 13 shows with CYT.

“The kids who don’t fit in really well can come and feel they fit in with this,” she said. “It has given Jenna such great confidence and security.”

CYT leans heavily on parental involvement. A parent for each cast member is expected to volunteer 20 hours towards the production. That could be in the form of costumes, makeup, lighting, set building, music or hospitality.

“It’s really a family affair for many of these kids,” said Westerberg.

To find out more about Christian Youth Theater, log on to their website at www.cytchicago.org.