"The Little Mermaid" Makes a Splash as Holiday Spectacular @ CSC

This family-friendly show follows the journey of Ariel, a young mermaid with an unquenchable thirst for exploration and her quest to find true love, and where she truly belongs; in the sea she’s always known or the mysterious land of the world above.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's story and the Disney animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a love story appropriate for all ages.  The production features music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright. Songs include “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”, and “Part of Your World” are all performed by a cast made up of industry professionals, Centenary University Students, and local actors from the community.

Families also have the opportunity to register for “Mermaid Memories,” a photo opportunity with members of the cast, including Ariel following the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 2. Photos are $10 for individual children and $25 for groups of 3-6. Photos will be sent digitally for families to print at home. Registration to sign up for photos will be done at intermission, following the performance and in advance by calling the CSC box office.

Co-Directing and choreographing this production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid are Lea Antolini-Lid and Michael Restaino.

Lea Antolini-Lid received her BMA in classical voice from the University of the Arts and her MFA in acting from Brandeis University where she also had the opportunity to teach movement for the actor under the tutelage of Susan Dibble and performed professionally in New York City and in cities on the East Coast. Lea traveled to China with Nai - Ni Chen Dance to teach at Kunming University. She is also a founding member and managing director of the XY DANCE PROJECT. Antolini is a member in training with Blessed Unrest Theater Company in NYC, and a member of AEA. She also serves as Director of CSC’s Young Audience Series Tour and Producer of the NEXTstage Rep. Summer Series.

Michael Restaino is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Currently serving as the Manager of Creative Production Integrity at RWS Global, Michael oversees all productions at sea, internationally. In addition to his role at RWS, Michael is the founder of Michael Anthony Theatrical, one of the leading cabaret companies in New York City. Michael’s leadership extends to The Actors Studio of New Jersey, an emerging professional theater company focused on becoming a hub for artistic expression and innovation. As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. Most recently Michael directed CSC’s summer production of Rock of Ages. 
Centenary Stage Company’s production will feature 16 performances throughout the run, which includes a special matinee on Tuesday, December 5 at 10 a.m. for school groups as a field trip opportunity.

Tickets range from $25 - $30 for adults with discounts available for students, and children under 12 for select performances.

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 -5 p.m. and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.

The 2023-24 Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Platinum Season Sponsor the House of the Good Shepherd, Silver Sponsors, Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, Explore Warren, and Fulton Bank, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.