The Park Theater is going under the sea for its first show in nearly three decades.
“The Little Mermaid” makes its premiere tonight at 7:30 p.m. as the first performance in the restored downtown venue. Other showtimes are Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Director Logan Taylor says there’s been nearly four months of practice leading up to this weekend’s shows. Before Park Theater was available, practices were held at WCMS.
“This is a full-fledged musical with singing, dancing and acting,” said Taylor. “This community has never seen a show of this magnitude before.”
The cast of 35 is mostly from the Warren County area with a few participants traveling from Cookeville and Nashville. The production includes 10 crew members. Between crew members and actors, over 500 hours have been logged preparing for the show.
Mileah Milstead has the lead as Anemone, the Little Mermaid. She has been in performances before at the Cannon County Playhouse in Woodbury.
“This is the first time I’ve had a lead role so it’s very exciting,” said Milstead, who graduated from WCHS last month.
It’s the first acting role for Blade Campbell and he landed the role of the male lead, the Prince.
“This started as a favor to Logan and I didn’t know if I’d like it or not,” said Campbell. “But my interest has really skyrocketed, which is a good thing because this takes up more than half my day.”
Taylor says all four shows are nearly sold out. Advanced tickets may be purchased at public.ticketbiscuit.com/parktheater.