One of the most popular Disney musicals of all time returns to Canada’s largest open-air theatre.
Rainbow Stage presents “The Little Mermaid,” opening Thursday, August 17.
Last performed in 2014, the production promises to bring iconic tunes, impressive sets and intangible “Disney magic” back to Kildonan Park.
Starring Inuk singer and actor Julia Davis in the lead role of Princess Ariel, this production marks her second engagement with Rainbow Stage.
“It feels like a dream come true” says Davis, a graduate of the Desautels Faculty of Music, who has worked with various companies around the city including Manitoba Underground Opera, Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg and MTYP.
Having made her Rainbow Stage debut last season as Toto in Wizard of Oz, Davis notes there is something special about performing under the dome.
“I love Rainbow Stage so much,” she says. “I have since I was little, and I started going to the theatre.”
The musical provides an in-person alternative that is sure to delight fans of the iconic 1989 animated film as well as those who took in the live-action remake which came out earlier this year.
“There are these generational cinematic events and what Rainbow Stage offers is this live experience... (that) takes it to the next level,” says director Carson Nattrass, noting the story remains the same, though adds additional musical numbers, giving the audience a chance to dive more deeply into the characters.
For Davis, the chance to embody the role of Ariel is one that she describes as a “bucket list” opportunity.
“As a young, Inuk performing artist, for a while it was something that maybe I thought wouldn’t happen for me or I couldn’t see myself in these roles that I wanted to play so badly,” she says. “But thinking back... there should be no reason why an Inuk person couldn’t play it or anyone of a diverse background.”
“The Little Mermaid” runs from Thursday, August 17 through Sunday, September 3.
For tickets and more details, visit: www.rainbowstage.ca
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