Ariel's Transformation

We just finished our Little Mermaid, Jr. run. We handled Ariel's transformations in a way I've never seen before. It was simple, inexpensive and artistic. I will upload it to the the showspace homepage. This is flip cam video of our 8AM tech rehearsal. The dancers were marking it for tech stops - but you can definitely get the idea. The "water" prop is called an ISIS WING. I paid $80 for the first pair on a belly dance website, then found them for $14.99 on ebay. Word to the wise, change the metal dowels to wood, the metal is noisy on stage. Hope this helps. cj

Saw an abbreviated version of The Little Mermaid at Disney World whose transformation was very effective and relatively simple. Ariel sits atop her large rock (like she has in her chamber). This rock should be able to house a crew member within it. Ariel's fin is over the front of the rock. During the transformation, use heavy smoke over her fin, focusing lighting on her face or upper body to help mask. You could also use a lighting effect to draw attention to the "magic" rather than Ariel's body (moving gobos, projection, etc). Ariel's trick fin should velcro behind her waist and simply be draped over her legs and pulled through a slot by her feet by the crew member while Ariel brushes down her dress. This is a modification from what they do in Disney, where Ariel is standing on a hydraulic platform within the rock, but the removal of the fin is similar. Check out this you tube link--transformation is at 14:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKHjfCXobV8 Hope this helps!

HI Elizabeth and Ginger! Wish you both could win the door prize. This is definitely the question of the season, thanks for being the first to pose it! The easiest and most effective way to stage Ariel's transformation is with the stagecraft you teach your kids. If you are using swirling fabric for water, it can be the vehicle that hides Ariel's costume change from fin to legs. She can be surrounded by the Sea Ensemble, (a fun combination of undersea creatures of you and your cast's creation). The main premise to make it MAGICAL is to block the actual change from the view of the audience. Creating a distraction with cast from the other side of the stage gives cast members a job and creates and illusion for the viewer. Flying Ariel, even if you have the budget, the insurance and the facility, doesn't really hide what you need to do: change the costume piece from fin to legs. Adding lights, shimmer and cast members can be limitless, and hopefully create the big "ah-ha" moment like in a David Copperfield act.