West Hartford's Connecticut Family Theatre's The Little Mermaid a big success

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Adapted from Disney's 2008 Broadway production, Disney's The Little Mermaind Jr. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She's in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."

Under the direction of Lori Solak, Connecticut Family Theatre is increasingly recognized as a leading teaching theatre in Connecticut.  CFT offers theatre education and performance opportunities to youth ages 6-18, serving students from all corners of Connecticut and Massachusetts.  Although several students under Ms. Solak's direction have gone on to perform in Broadway productions and film, CFT's mission is focused on helping children develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as their individual potential for acting, song and dance. 

In commenting on the quality of CFT productions, Melissa Millan of Simsbury, whose children, Zeke, age 13, and Tori Hodkin, age 10 have been performing with CFT for years, describes how a friend of hers who teaches in Boston came to see Zeke perform in Alice in Wonderland when he was 9 years old. Impressed, her friend said "I've seen a lot of children's theatre and this is the most professional show I've ever seen."

It's clear that for the kids themselves, the culture of working together and supporting each other is a huge part of CFT's appeal. Brian Hanshaw, 13, of Simsbury, says "Everyone has an important part of the cast and crew; we all pull together because we are friends and we want to be the best we can. We work hard, but every aspect of the show, the singing, the choreography, the costumes -  it's all fun and professional."  Dan Butler, father of Katie Butler, age 14, of Plainville agreed, observing that although she knew none of the other actors at first, Katie was quickly accepted and made many friends whom she continues to see outside of theatre.  He also commented, "I was impressed with the staff's professionalism and genuine concern for bringing the best out in each performer yet with the understanding that they are kids and need lots of support and encouragement." 

Attached Photos:

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Remy McCoy, West Hartford; Avery St. Germaine, West Hartford; Erin Conway, West Hartford; Claire Peikes, West Hartford; Brian Hanshaw, Simsbury; Katie Butler, Plainville; Zeke Hodkin, Simsbury; Savannah Freitas, Plainville; Caroline Kriesen, West Hartford; Cordie Zito, Hartford