June 3, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
Kids' Cabaret auditions for "The Little Mermaid Jr." musical will be held June 11 and 12, and every child and teen who auditions gets a part.
This Hingham-based non-profit summer theater group is run by local high school and college students who have a passion for theater.
"Whoever auditions for the musical is automatically cast in the show," according to the Kids' Cabaret Team. "We pride ourselves on being a gateway for children and young adults to be introduced to the world of theater and therefore don't make any cuts."
Kids ages eight to 16 are invited to audition for the musical at St. John's Church, 172 Main Street, Hingham, between 3 and 6 p.m. The audition song is "Under the Sea." Children need only attend one day of auditions.
For those interested in joining the backstage crew, a separate sign-up form will be posted on the Kids' Cabaret website at the start of the program.
Kate Schembri, asst. program director & co-acting director for this year's musical, shared her thoughts about what Kids' Cabaret means to her with the Hingham Anchor.
"Kids’ Cabaret is an organization that welcomes anyone who wants to join. We are so proud to be able to cast every auditioning child in our show and to share our love of the performing arts with local youth," she said. "The kids who are participating will enjoy continuous rehearsals, games, a walk in the Fourth of July parade, plenty of ice pops, and a wonderful three performances at the end of the program, which is sure to make for a fun-filled summer!”
What makes Kids' Cabaret special, Kate said, is its "consistent impact" on the Hingham community. "The program was founded in 1989 by Hingham High School students and has been continued by local students every year since, all sharing the same goal of promoting a love for the performing arts with youth," she said. "Theater is so special and can introduce one to their best friends, be their creative outlet, and allow them to express their individuality authentically and without fear. We at Kids’ Cabaret look forward to helping participants to grow artistically and to build the confidence that will allow them to shine."
Based on Disney's 1989 film, the musical centers around 16-year-old mermaid Ariel, who is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which is forbidden by her father King Triton, she falls for a human, Prince Eric. Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days so she can see him. But when her plans go wrong, the king must try to save his daughter.
Show nights are July 28, 29, and 30 at Hingham High School, 17 Union St.
“We chose the Little Mermaid Jr. this year because of its upbeat and well-known tunes, flamboyant and colorful costumes, recognizable characters, and all-around fun reputation," Kate said. "We can’t wait to bring the story of Ariel to life this summer and hope that many kids will join us by auditioning on June 11 or 12!"
Not only does Kids' Cabaret inspire a love of the arts, but it also builds character. Participants learn group cooperation, individual responsibility, and ways to overcome obstacles while building strong friendships.
Past shows include "Anything Goes," "South Pacific," "Seussical the Musical," "Annie," "Peter Pan," "James and the Giant Peach," "Once on this Island," "Cinderella," "Hello Dolly," among others.
Besides Kate, this year's staff includes Program Director & Co-Stage Manager Bobby Sullivan; Co-Acting Director Bridget Sandler; Co-Music Director Tim Bevens; and Co-Choreographers Sean Lally and Elizabeth Nunnery.
Kids' Cabaret looks forward to participating in this year's Hingham Fourth of July Parade, which has become a tradition.
For further details, visit https://kidscabaret02043.wixsite.com/kidscab