Updated 'Mermaid' goes for happier ending
There's the animated Disney version of "The Little Mermaid," the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale version -- and Dan Shaffer of Jeannette's version.
The director of Greensburg Civic Theatre's Greasepaint Players production this weekend gives a new twist to the tale of a young mermaid who longs for a prince and a life on dry land. He says the main difference between his story, which he wrote for a friend, and the original Anderson story is that in his version, the mermaid doesn't die.
"I just couldn't do that in a kids' show," Shaffer says. "We wanted to perform 'The Little Mermaid,' and I just couldn't find a version that I liked. I wanted it to be a mix of the original tale and the happy-ending version most kids know and love."
Shaffer says his "Mermaid" contains some loosely based elements of the Disney movie that is a favorite of children. Because his is a stage version, it's missing some of the "magical effects" that are possible with animation.
"Onstage, you have to use lights, sounds, props and imagination to achieve the same thing. The cast is doing a great job making me believe the magic is really happening," he says. "Since we have to portray the entire ocean, a cave, a boat and two palaces, there are a lot of light and sound effects."
This is only the second time Shaffer has staged his adaptation. He finds that his Greasepaint Players' cast brings a fresh set of ideas to the show that has prompted him to make some rewrites and edits to the script based on their feedback.
"They are a very dedicated and talented group of actors," the director says. "Every rehearsal they do something to make me step back and say, 'Why didn't I think of that?' McKenzie (Powell, who portrays Iris, the mermaid) has a real grasp of what Iris is supposed to be. Iris is ambitious, energetic, loving and even a little stubborn."
Powell is a freshman at Greater Latrobe Junior High and says she has wanted to play the role because the story of "The Little Mermaid" is one of her favorites.
"Children would love this show because it has an adventurous and funny plot line," she says. "While it is a little different from Disney's version, it gives the 'Little Mermaid' story a new spin, letting children walk away with new and inspiring ideas and the lesson to be careful what you wish for."
Also in the cast are Ricky Stahl, Kyra Heberle, Katie Hillebrecht, John Graham, Tania Kinsel, Megan Datsko, Cassidee Knott and Luba Mintas.
Additional Information:
'The Little Mermaid'
Presented by: Greasepaint Players of Greensburg Civic Theatre
When: 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $8; $6 in advance
Where: Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road
Details: 724-836-7529 or website
