Local Youth Bring Disney Musical Performances to the Stage

The Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association (CTORA) is excited to announce that their 2018 program runs in November and December with two musical productions from Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. and Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Incredibly talented youth performers, including Disney stars, perform these popular musical productions with collaboration from Vancouver Aquarium to provide support and the three-dimensional (3D) backdrop in The Little Mermaid Jr. production. Tickets on sale now from $20.00 to $49.50 (excludes applicable service fee and taxes).

2018 Show Schedule:

The Little Mermaid Jr.
Saturday, November 24 & Sunday, November 25
6:30pm (approx. 2 hours)
Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster
Starting from $20.00- Order online with assigned seating

Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8
6:30pm (approx. 2 hours)
Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver
Starting from $21.50- Order online with assigned seating

World Class Talent and Experience Bring These Productions to Life
As a non-profit organization that leads in providing talented youth performers the opportunity to share their passion for art and culture, CTORA welcomes three (3) award-winning and local youth performers to join this year’s musical productions:

Zoey Siewert as Ariel, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 show)
Performance credit: Universal NBC’s Nina’s World; ABC’s Once Upon A Time.

Zac Siewert as King Triton, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 show)
Performance credit: Marvel’s (short-series) Black Spiderman, Chopped Canada Junior.

Jaedon Siewert as chef Louis, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 and 26 shows)
Performance credit: Universal’s Aliens Ate My Homework; ABC’s Siren.

More than 30 talented performers will take the stage this year with returning performers to include:

Neil Hong as Prince Eric, The Little Mermaid Jr.

Victoria Kazantseva as Ursula, The Little Mermaid Jr.

With more than 22 years of global musical theatre production experience, Emma Swords is the creative director behind this year’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Swords’ previous musical theatre production experience include: Oliver, Mulan, Aladdin, Les Misérables and West Side Story.

Internationally renowned choreographer Harry Zhao, who has represented China in World Sports Dance Open, will bring his Latin flair to work with Swords in creating electrifying choreography for The Little Mermaid Jr. Beauty and the Beast Jr. is directed by Joseph Spitale with assistance from Emily Matchette. Spitale is no stranger to the stage as he has participated in many internationally-acclaimed theatrical productions for Tokyo Disneyland, Theatre Under the Stars, Les Misérables, Lincoln Centre in New York City, and more.

Canadian surrealist artist Michael Abraham has generously offered to hand-paint props and backdrops to create a lively experience for audience. Props and backdrops created by Abraham will include Ursula’s cave, mirrors from the mermaids, and much more. As well, a Vancouver-based digital media company, FStar Media, has utilized 3D mapping technology to showcase the 20 animated backdrops that bring the show to life.

Another local construction company, Kiewit, has created a ship to accommodate up to nine actors and help bring the audience on a journey into the beautiful sea world.

“This year’s show embraces technology and mixes it with traditional art, while celebrating the culture and talents of the young generation in our community,” adds Yuan.

Lily Yuan, CTORA founder and producer, shares, “Last year’s production of Aladdin was a huge success, so we expect The Little Mermaid Jr. and the Beauty and the Beast Jr. to sell-out quickly this year. We not only have a talented team of young performers and renowned directors, we have also incorporated original art with digital technology to bring audience a stunning, lively, and one-of-a-kind performance stage.”

About Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association
Founded by Lily Yuan, the Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association (CTORA) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to support young artist and youth in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver community. Young performers are casted each year to perform in annual musical productions that showcase their artistic talent and passion, while providing an opportunity to learn from some of the best artists and musicians in British Columbia. Past musical productions include: Aladdin Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., the Little Mermaid Jr., and more. For more information, visit: www.ctora.ca

Image: Last year’s sold-out Aladdin musical production.