Given their reputation and track record, its not surprising that Merely Players Mona Wood-Patterson and Charles Fords production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. is as professional a production as one will see of a childrens play. But this time, Ford, the technical director and set design wizard of the local theater troupe, has outdone himself.
I have been really busy the past couple of weeks, Ford said Monday in between weekend stagings of the theatrical adaptation of the Disney film adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story.
Durango High School sophomore Emma Buchanan stars as Ariel, the mermaid who chooses love in the form of her Prince (DHS junior Parker Buccowich) over life eternal. Wood-Patterson cast strong, experienced leads in a mostly younger childrens production.
Happily accepting any of the foibles that come with a cast ranging from fourth to 12th-graders, this production of Mermaid is a visual spectacle, and its because of Fords handiwork.
Those familiar with his work might still be impressed by the construction of the Princes ship, which dominates the Durango Arts Center Theatre when illuminated.
But it is Fords puppets that steal the show and add an animated film effect to the stage production. With almost no puppet-making experience, Ford taught himself how to do it. His creations rival the late Jim Hensons.
Like all my theater stuff, I just figured it out as I went along. Its a mystery to me, too, Ford said. The kids were very excited to get their hands on them. When I brought some of them in, I didnt realize the kids would be so small. I said Theyre as big as you are. My goal was to make them really lightweight, so that was a good choice because some of those kids have to wear them.
Ford said, ironically, the amateurism of a kids play was the ideal test lab for his flock of puppets, which include frogs, seahorses, fish and other sea creatures.
They were amazing, he said of his young cast and crew. With learning music, dancing, blocking and acting, we threw the puppets in on top and they jumped on it. Im not sure adult actors wouldve been so jolly about it.
Thursdays performance will be a fundraiser for Merely Players. Ford said the troupe, as do most community theater companies nationwide, operates each year at a deficit.
Ticket sales account for about 60 percent of Merely Players annual budget, with the balance coming from grants, sponsorships and donations.
ted@durangoherald.com
If you go
Merely Players and Durango Performing Arts Co. present The Little Mermaid, Jr., directed by Mona Wood-Patterson, at Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday. Tickets cost $18, available by calling 247-7657 or visiting www.durangoconcerts.com.
A fundraiser performance will be given from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday for $50 (includes dinner catered by Mutus, wine/beer/non-alcoholic beverages as supplies last, the show, prize drawings and a talkback with cast and directors after the show). Call 749-8585 for reservations.
View an instructional how-to about the construction of Charles Fords custom-made puppets at www.instructables.com/id/Particularly-Prolific-Polyfoam-Puppets.
