A deep-rooted community theater group that has brought Broadway shows to Middle Village and Glendale for nearly three decades is returning next month with its latest ambitious production, “The Little Mermaid,” a Disney classic.
The JC Players, a Queens community theater group established nearly 30 years ago, is showcasing its joyous family-friendly production of The Little Mermaid in August on two separate stages at the Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church and Community United Methodist Church.
The director of this year’s production, like many in its past, Barbara Auriemma, leads a full roster of cast, crew and fellow directors who look to highlight the story of Ariel for all audiences.
“People coming to the show will experience a vibrant production filled with dazzling costumes and wonderful choreography,” Auriemma shared, pointing to her husband and music director, Frank Auriemma, for curating a spectacular musical performance. “Audiences can expect a joyful, heartwarming experience that will leave them humming the tunes long after the final curtain call.”
This year’s performance by the JC Players follows a series of similarly family-friendly performances, such as “Young Frankenstein” and “Seussical: The Musical.”
The show will take place at the following locations and dates in August:
Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church, 66-14 Central Ave., Glendale
Friday, Aug. 2: 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3: 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 4: 3 p.m.
Community United Methodist Church, 75-27 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village
Saturday, Aug. 10: 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11: 3 p.m.
Barbara Auriemma said the story of The Little Mermaid applies to audiences of all ages, shares a timeless enchanting story and provides the production with a rich tapestry of musical elements.
“Our goal every year is to create a memorable and magical experience for both our performers and audiences,” Auriemma said, bringing attention to the importance of community theatre.
The star-studded cast also feels especially connected to this year’s performance. Michelle Meditz, playing the role of Ariel, fully embraces the story and its connection to little girls everywhere.
“Growing up, the idea of being a mermaid was the coolest thing a girl could imagine,” Meditz said. “To be a part of a show with such iconic music and characters has been a dream come true.”
Meditz added that The Little Mermaid is truly about finding yourself at a young age when you feel like no one else will listen. She believes the story overall is about knowing who you are and what you want, although there are some trials and tribulations along the way.
Even the ending of the classic Disney tale remains cherished for the young actor, despite what some fans might say about Ariel’s journey.
“Ariel is a girl who knows what she wants, and makes some tough decisions to get there,” Meditz said. “Some people feel as if Ariel is giving up everything for Prince Eric, but really Ariel’s happy ending is to be able to explore and grow up in the place she loves.”
The spotlight of the performance is shared by another cast member, Andrés Luke Caamal, who plays the staunch King Triton in the show. He shared that his role is quite the undertaking, as the royal father to Ariel, but it is a challenge he willingly undertakes.
“From his fluctuating temper to his responsibility as King of the Sea, Triton will be interesting to play, to say the least,” Caamal said, sharing his admiration for his fellow castmates who play similarly leading roles.
The two cast members for Ariel and King Triton carry their friendship into the role, with an equal respect of each other’s work. In addition to a little bit of humor, since the two are roughly the same age.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my friend Michelle and her portrayal of Ariel. In college, I would go to as many musical theatre showcases as I could just to see her sing,” Caamal shared. “I’ve always wanted to see her in a lead role. So here we are! It’s been a long time coming.”
Overall, what helps bring the theatre together is the JC Players community theater group. The admiration for the group and its work over the years extends throughout the cast. The group brings culture to the Queens community while embracing people from all backgrounds into the art.
“The last thing I’ll say about working with Frank and Barbara is that they welcomed me into the group without hesitation back in 2019,” Caamal recalled. “They blessed me with prominent roles every year as I struggled with low self-esteem and confidence issues. They made me feel prominent, not just as a character in a show, but as a human being in the community. And for that, I am forever grateful.”
The Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church is located at 66-14 Central Ave. in Glendale. The Community United Methodist Church can be found at 75-27 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village.
Tickets for the shows are currently on sale on the JC Players’ website, jcplayers.weebly.com, or by calling 917-647-7526. Children under the age of 13 and seniors at least 65 years of age can purchase tickets for $22. Tickets for adults are available for $25.
