(Peoria, Illinois) – The Penguin Project’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. will be performed January 18-20 at Eastlight Theatre at East Peoria High School. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth, with a $1 per ticket service charge for on-line orders. Student tickets are available only through the box office.
The Penguin Project features a group of young people who take to the stage to perform a modified “junior” version of a well-known Broadway musical. These productions are unique, however, because all of the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities.They are joined on stage by their “peer mentors” – a group of children without disabilities who have volunteered to work with them side-by-side through the rehearsals and on stage. The end result is a celebration of the ability of any child to succeed when given encouragement, support, and opportunity. Past productions have included Annie, Jr. in 2005, The Music Man, Jr. in 2006, Guys & Dolls, Jr. in 2007, High School Musical, Jr. in 2008, Beauty and the Beast, Jr. in 2009, Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. in 2010, High School Musical 2, Jr. in 2011, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. in 2012.
In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.”
“By providing access to community theater, the Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability do not need to handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. The talents of these children have far surpassed all expectations, concluding in a professional, entertaining theater experience,” says Dr. Andy Morgan, Penguin Project director. “Our penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.”
The future goal for the Penguin Project is to take the program to other cities, allowing children with special needs across the nation to participate in a life-altering event. For tickets to the production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr., call 309-699-SHOW (7469) or order online at www.EastlightTheatre.com