FALMOUTH
Maine State Ballet’s 175- seat Lopez Theater will be transformed into a shimmering underwater grotto for the upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid,” an original ballet by Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele, running Oct. 7-15.
Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Little Mermaid” tells the story of a curious mermaid who longs to leave her ocean home and explore the world above. She is tricked by a jealous sea witch, but is finally saved by the power of true love. Unlike the original story, and in keeping with its “family friendly” atmosphere, the Maine State Ballet version has a happy ending.
“The Little Mermaid” features original choreography by Linda and Jon Miele, scenery and costumes designed by Associate Director Gail Csoboth, and lighting design by Fred Bernier.
Principal Dancer Veronica Druchniak, of Standish, originated the role four years ago when she was a senior at Bonny Eagle High School. Now a senior at the University of Southern Maine, she said she is excited to revisit the ballet and its central character.
Druchniak said being cast in “The Little Mermaid” was a turning point in her life.
“Mrs. Miele giving me the opportunity to carry a ballet while I was still in high school helped me decide to go to USM, so I could study what I love and also continue working as a professional ballet dancer right here in Maine,” she said. “I am more and more confident that I made the right decision every time I step onto the stage.”
Another dancer who credits Maine State Ballet with changing his life is returning Company member Michael Hamilton, who plays the prince in “The Little Mermaid.”
Hamilton started dancing when he was 10 years old, and he enrolled at Maine State Ballet when he was 14. He danced in a number of ballets throughout high school, including The Nutcracker and Don Quixote. After high school, at age 19, he moved to Hollywood, where he found work in television, films and commercials, both as actor and later as a producer and director. He has been featured in several films, including “A Perfect Ending,” “Mr. Sophistication,” and “Nowhere,” as well as the television shows “How to Get Away with Murder,” “CSI,” and “Shameless.” He was also a member of the Santa Clarita Ballet Company for five years.
Hamilton and his wife Lauryn have five children, including 17-month-old twins. While he had enjoyed living in California as a young, single man, he says he felt differently after he became a father.
“As each child came along, I missed Maine more and more,” he said. “I wanted my children to have the same experiences I had, and I wanted them to be part of a close-knit community.”
So last December, Hamilton brought his wife and kids to Maine for Christmas to see if they might like living here. It was the first time anyone in his family had seen snow, and they loved it. They went back to California, put their house on the market, and moved to Maine in March.
Hamilton said Maine State Ballet was his second family when he was in high school, and he wants his children to be around the people who helped him through some tough times.
“Linda and Jon Miele were there for me when I needed them the most, and they made me feel like I would always have a family here. So now I’m back, and I’ve brought my own family to add to the ever-growing MSB family.”
Maine State Ballet’s “The Little Mermaid” will be performed at the Maine State Ballet Lopez Theater, located at 348 U.S. Route One, in Falmouth. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 7-15. There is only one evening performance, on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m..
Tickets are priced at $15- $20 for reserved seating, with a $2 discount for seniors 62 and over, and children 12 and under. Order tickets online at www.mainestateballet.org or call Maine State Ballet at (207) 781-7672 for more information.
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