Behind the Scenes of “The Little Mermaid”
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Taking audiences “under the sea” is a huge undertaking and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is up to the challenge this summer.
Alabama News Network caught up with the crew just before Wednesday’s matinee to see what it takes to create all the magic.
“The Little Mermaid” is definitely a major production with more than 50 cast and crew members.
Two hours before the production, the entire stage is swept and mopped.
“There are air tanks that need to be filled for certain effects. We have people checking the wires and the rail system because some of the actors fly during the show,” said crew member Brik Berkes.
There are about 20 cast members, and behind the scenes about 30 to 40 crew members making sure everything is in the right place at the right time.
There are 100 costumes alone with a crew of ten people helping the actors change into wigs, dresses and even sea creatures like “Ursula.”
“It’s very intricately designed and put together. And also very heavy. I think she weighed it at like 30 pounds,” said wardrobe supervisor Landi McAdams.
And some only have about 30 or 40 seconds to make a full change from head to toe.
“You have 3 people surrounding one girl and taking everything off and putting it back on. I’ts really choreographed,” said McAdams.
In fact, everything is choreographed, from the actors on stage to how the sets are moved behind the scenes and even the flying or, in this case, “swimming.”
“You got at least 3 people controlling up and down, side to side and rotating movements,” said Berkes.
The actors have to wear special attachments under their costumes. And they have to learn to move just right.
“Looking like you are swimming in the air opposed to just flying, like they would do in ‘Peter Pan.'”
It’s all a part of the magic that makes “The Little Mermaid” come alive for audiences young and old.
If you would like to see a performance of “The Little Mermaid,” contact the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The production runs through August 9th.
