Little Mermaid in Cebu

Cebu's arts month celebration would conclude with a splash. After almost three months, to be exact, on November 8, 9 and 10, 2014 that we were in Hong Kong for a musical play, Dr. Primitivo Ereno, Rudy Aviles, Prof. Nelia Ereno, and I would once again experience Disney's The Little Mermaid Junior Edition in Cebu. From Hong Kong to Cebu, an effort of bringing it to the island by Ms. Marivic E. Bathan, directress of Children's Paradise Montessori School (CPMS), is producing the play.

Very much integrated in their Montessori curriculum, Ms. Bathan accepted the challenge. Under her directorship, CPMS has been awarded as the Montessori School of the Year ( in Metro Cebu) since 2010 by the Business Achievement and Recognition Awards Council and the Most Trusted Montessori School (in Metro Cebu) since 2011 by the Global Management and Excellence Awards Council. And this made Mr. Allan Nazareno came to Cebu from Hong Kong, to direct.

In celebration of the school's 10 years of authentic Montessori education, they open this year-long activity with the Cebu premiere of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. Musical. This starts a tradition of school annual plays which they share with the bigger Cebu community and, eventually, the world.

For Allan, intended primarily as a showcase for talents, this Cebu premiere production offers students a unique opportunity to be in a Broadway musical production of professional caliber. Artistically speaking, what makes this production newsworthy is the fact that the idea of global citizenship is inculcated in the design concept with the incorporation of various world theater conventions. In this age where global citizenship is the thrust of education, this idea of East meets West would be seen as a possible showcase to introduce artistic elements of world cultures. Taking inspiration from the Philippine premiere production, this staging will further the artistic concept by incorporating many Philippine and world culture inspired elements in both costumes and sets.

The directing and design concepts draw inspiration from theater traditions of Bali, India, Thailand, Japan, China and the Philippines. Thus, not only this production entertains the audience, but more importantly, it will also educate by exposing both audience and performers to multiculturalism. It targets to appeal to the entire family. All the songs that were popularized by the original film version as well as some additional songs from the Broadway version have been included, making it relatable to all. The show has many valuable lessons from the themes tackled by the story - family and sacrifice, love and personal choices, friendship and loyalty.

Why choose this musical? The film version is considered by many to be one of the best animated features that Disney has produced. The Broadway adaptation was able to transform the film into a live stage musical worthy of Broadway praise. Last year, the Asian premiere was mounted in Manila. Notable changes from the original Broadway production concept were evident especially in the use of Asian inspired designs for the underwater creatures and Western designs for the human world.

For the Children's Paradise Montessori School, literally, the entire student population of the school makes up the entire cast and will shine bright at the St. Theresa's College ( STC) Auditorium at the grand show of this renowned Haus Christian Anderson masterpiece on February 28, 2015 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For the students, it would be an experience that they will truly treasure as this boost their self- confidence. Expressing one's feelings creatively plus assuming in someone's persona is an experience that would train one to be understanding and sensitive.

Speaking of experience, for director Allan, this will be his 41st directional project. Among his outstanding projects were in Guam, USA and Hong Kong where he is currently involved as Drama Coordinator of Yew Chung Int'l School Secondary. Collaborating with him is the creative team: co- director Rudy Aviles, musical director Dennis Gregory Sugarol, choreographer Niño Matillano and voice coach Charleen Anna "Cha-cha" Blanco. Never again could you expect such quality synergy!

Just like other Disney characters, The Little Mermaid has characters that mirror life, projecting values not just for the little ones but for grown- ups as well. Theater situates, though, in a make-believe world, but the adult's way of transcending it to the real world for the young makes it relevant and meaningful.

Let's explore more the underworld to uncover stories of relationships, courage, determination and love.