'Part of your world': Landmark Musicals collaborates with Sandia Prep on 'The Little Mermaid'

One can never know what to expect when working with live theater.

Laurie Finnegan knows this well and remains excited about the opportunities and challenges that may arise.

Finnegan is at the helm of Landmark Musicals’ latest production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”

'Part of your world': Landmark Musicals collaborates with Sandia Prep on 'The Little Mermaid'

“We wanted to do this because we have the right group of people in the community,” she says. “Landmark also has a collaboration with Sandia Prep which gives us another avenue for flexibility. We have new people coming out to audition for the productions. It’s a wonderful blend of community.”

“The Little Mermaid” kicks off a three-week run on Friday, March 15, at Rodey Theatre on the University of New Mexico campus. It will run Friday-Sunday through March 31.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.

It tells the story of Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, who wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs.

But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by two-time Academy Award winner Howard Ashman, and additional lyrics for stage by Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, the fishy fable contains many classic songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

There are 27 members in the cast.

Finnegan says having a bigger cast makes scheduling very difficult.

“When it comes to costuming, with a cast of 27, we have to keep the production up to a certain standard,” she says. “We have sea creatures and lagoon animals. Coordinating the costume changes takes a lot of time. It’s a big challenge because it’s highly technical. The actors have to move from land scenes to underwater scenes, and there are certain movements for each.”

Landmark Musicals wanted to stage “The Little Mermaid” during spring because it gives families more of an opportunity to see the productions because of spring break.

She also says the production is hopeful.

“Ariel is wishful and Prince Eric wants to be out to sea,” she says. “Somehow they find each other. This is a story about crossing boundaries and getting along as one. It’s not just a kid’s show, it’s for everyone.”