Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Sneak peek of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”—get tickets now for the live performance in Birmingham [discount code]
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Have you ever wondered how stage productions pull off shows with elaborate set designs like falling chandeliers or moving staircases? What about a show that takes place underwater?
Red Mountain Theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is June 12-July 19, and we got a behind-the-scenes look at the amazing costume team in action as they created beloved characters like Ariel, Sebastian and more.
From Ursula’s giant wig and tentacles to personalized headpieces for every fish, see how this team pulls off one of Disney’s most famous musicals.
Ready to be a part of their world? Get $7 off your ticket with discount code NOWSAVE7.
See Red Mountain Theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”
We all know the story: Ariel longs for a life on land with the dreamy Prince Eric, and to get it, she bargains with the sea witch Ursula. Themes of curiosity and belonging—and a little teenage rebellion—unfold to tell a story of true love.
- When: Friday, June 12-Sunday, July 19
- Wednesday-Saturday: 6:30PM
- Wednesday + Saturday matinees: 1PM
- Sunday matinees: 2PM
- Sensory-Friendly performance: Tuesday, June 30 | 6:30PM
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre’s Cromwell Theatre
- How much: $40+ | Discounts for children under 12
- Get tickets now + use promo code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off your purchase
Meet the team who brings Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to life
To tell the story well, there’s a whole team behind the scenes that makes the magic happen.
For Resident Wig and Makeup Designer Missi B. Shepherd, that magic comes from making every wig from scratch. We watched in awe as she crafted each wig and hairstyle to fit the era of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
“I read the script and pick out any glaring statements or ideas that would apply to a character. Then, I do period research and find items that feel like it lives in this world.”
Missi B. Shepherd, Costume Coordinator/Resident Wig & Makeup Designer, Red Mountain Theatre
Headpieces for the ensemble are molded to fit perfectly. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
There are nearly 30 performers playing fish in the show, and every one of them gets a custom headpiece. None are the same, and most involve a couple hours of hand-stitching.
The pro taking lead on those headpieces? Mia Oldacre.
“We’ve been using a lot of unconventional stuff like EVA foam, tubes and other things that aren’t actually made to be on clothes.
I like to see what renderings can translate into, because you can see the visual outcome, but you don’t see what the inside of it looks like.”
Mia Oldacre, Assistant Costume Coordinator, Red Mountain Theatre
Just when I thought I couldn’t be any more impressed, Mary Burley came through with Ursula’s tentacles in hand.
Using a mix of fashion design, engineering and construction, Mary is one of many people bringing the villain to life.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ursula, because I haven’t worked on the rest of her. Seeing the tentacles come together with everything else—the bodice, skirt, wig—is going to be really cool.”
Mary Burley, Costume Technician, Red Mountain Theatre
Telling a beloved story through costume design
Expectations for the characters in “The Little Mermaid” were set once the Disney movie debuted in 1989, but putting on a live performance brings new opportunities. Costume Director Kendra Weeks spent months exploring creative outlets to take with this show.
“There are a lot of things in this show that are so concept-driven. You can really do whatever you want—as long as you do Ariel as people expect her to be—but sometimes that freedom is a little scary because you’re like, ‘Which direction do I go in?'”
Kendra Weeks, Costume Director, Red Mountain Theatre
Ultimately, the team couldn’t pull it off without each other—from the costume team and choreographers, to technology, props and the cast itself.
“You can draw pretty pictures all day, but if you don’t have the team with the skills and talent to back it up, then you’re not gonna get very far.”
Kendra Weeks, Costume Director, Red Mountain Theatre
If the creative process was this mesmerizing, I can only imagine how the final product will look on stage!
Will I see you at Red Mountain Theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” June 12 through July 19? Get your tickets today using discount code NOWSAVE7.
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