When the pre-Broadway version of "The Little Mermaid" lacked the enchanting presence of puppets, one director knew exactly what was missing. Cory Moosman, a seasoned theater professional, recognized the untapped potential of incorporating puppetry into the beloved Disney tale. Now, as he prepares to bring his vision to life, Moosman is set to captivate audiences with a production that promises to transport them beneath the waves and into the whimsical world of Ariel and her aquatic friends.
Unleashing the Underwater Enchantment with Puppetry
Embracing the Puppetry Trend
In the era of groundbreaking productions like "The Lion King" and "Avenue Q," where puppetry has become a staple of storytelling, Moosman saw an opportunity to elevate "The Little Mermaid" to new heights. He recognized that the underwater setting of the classic tale lent itself perfectly to the incorporation of puppets, allowing for a more immersive and captivating experience for the audience.Crafting a Magical Underwater Realm
Moosman's vision for the production is to create a seamless blend of human performers and meticulously crafted puppets, transporting the audience beneath the waves. With the help of WYNOT Productions, the puppet fabrication and performance company he co-owns, and local puppeteer Katy Williams, Moosman is bringing to life a staggering 52 puppets that will bring the underwater world to life.Balancing the Performer and the Puppet
Moosman recognizes the delicate balance required in integrating puppetry into a theatrical production. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed shows like "The Lion King" and "Life of Pi," he aims to strike a harmonious balance between the human performers and the puppet characters. In some instances, the puppets will take center stage, while in others, the focus will shift between the performer and the puppet, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience.Fostering Audience Engagement
Moosman believes that the use of puppetry has the power to break down barriers and connect with audiences on a deeper level. He explains, "There's an interesting thing about audiences where they let their guard down and are more accepting of puppet characters very quickly. As humans, we have an inborn otherism, but puppets can break that down right away, tapping into that childlike wonder that is so essential to the storytelling."Embracing the Challenges of Puppetry
Moosman's journey into the world of puppetry has been a transformative one, as he has shifted his focus from being on stage to behind the scenes, honing his skills as a puppeteer. He acknowledges that puppetry is a more extreme form of acting, where the character's essence takes precedence over the performer's physical appearance. This shift has allowed Moosman to delve deeper into the heart of the story and connect with audiences in a more profound way.Bringing the Beloved Disney Tale to Life
As the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company prepares to mount "Disney's The Little Mermaid," Moosman's vision of an enchanting underwater world, brought to life through the magic of puppetry, is about to become a reality. With a talented cast of 22 local, regional, and national actors, each skilled in the art of puppetry, the production promises to captivate audiences and transport them into the whimsical world of Ariel, her prince, and the colorful cast of sea creatures that inhabit their underwater kingdom.New
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