The Minot Academy of Dance and Cheer is presenting its first full-length production this weekend at the Arvel Graving Theater at the Magic City High School. Artistic director Kori Haskins has selected "Under the Sea" for her 3-year-old organization.
"I have 56 students," Haskins said. "That includes the cheerleaders, who are performing in a show for the first time, too."
The music includes pieces from TV's "Glee" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid," with recognizable characters including Ariel, danced by Jessica Bullard; Ursula, by Micaela Haider; and Sebastian by Gracie Feist.
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The cast of 'Under the Sea' is shown.
"It's a colorful show, very bright," said Haskins. "Little ones will love watching it."
The cheerleaders, in addition to joining the others, will have their own routine in the show, performing to "Wipeout."
The story is a combination of the Disney and Hans Christian Anderson stories, with original choreography by Haskins.
In the undersea world, King Triton, danced by Kirsten Keeling, has seven daughters, portrayed by Hannah Arne, Kaitlyn Martin, Erica Spaulding, Erin Troftgruben, Natalie Couture, Kasey Chorlton and Bullard. Triton's youngest, Ariel, is curious about the human world, and her seagull friend Scuttle, danced by Marie Whitaker, tells her all about them.
The human Prince Eric, played by Shannon Svedek, first fell into the ocean, then fell in love with Ariel - and she with him. Ariel was permitted to live on land by her wicked Aunt Ursula at the price of her beautiful voice.
The story does not have a Hollywood ending, but explains how Ariel becomes trapped between the land and the sea forever.
"Under the Sea" has performances at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at a cost of $15 for reserved seating and $10 for unreserved. A portion of the ticket sales for Saturday night will be going to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, a charity near and dear to Haskins since her brother Jon was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago. A portion of the ticket sales for Sunday afternoon will be going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Reservations may be made by calling 858-5691.