Mayor Kimo becomes part of their world, dives under the sea with cast of ‘The Little Mermaid’

Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda on Monday took a dive to where it’s gotten a bit wetter at the historic Palace Theater to be part of a world under the sea — even if flippin’ his fins didn’t get him too far — for a sneak peek of the upcoming production of Disney’s beloved animated classic “The Little Mermaid.”

The mayor attended a dress rehearsal of the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre, or HEART, musical, which opens this weekend for an extended multiweek run at the 100-year-old theater in Downtown Hilo.

“Oh my God! I just saw the dress rehearsal for ‘The Little Mermaid,’ here at the Palace Theatre, starting this Friday,” he says in a video from his visit that was shared by the show’s producer Larry Reitzer. “It’s gonna go for 3 weeks.”

Video courtesy of Larry Reitzer

This enchanting production promises to bring the timeless tale of Ariel and her underwater adventures to life with breathtaking performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable music.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays from March 21 through April 6. The musical is suitable for all ages.

The talented local cast and crew under the direction of Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin infuses fresh energy into the beloved tale of love, wanting to belong and betrayal.

A dynamic creative team behind the production ensures audiences will be captivated by stunning choreography that brings the magic of the ocean to life with vibrant dance numbers, while the beloved musical score is beautifully performed.

Combined with exquisite costume design and masterfully done hair and makeup, the story comes together on the Palace stage to immerse audiences in a real-world setting every bit as colorful and vibrant as the animated classic that brought Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle and all of their friends to life.

“We are so excited to bring ‘The Little Mermaid’ to the Hilo Palace Theater,” said Aiwohi-Tomlin in information provided by HEART. “This production showcases the talents of our local artists, and we’ve worked tirelessly to create a vibrant and magical experience for our audience.”

Mayor Kimo loved what he saw so much that when the cast — which features 70 Big Island performers from age 8 to 18 years old — cheered at his comment and then asked if he might want to join them in the show, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to audition on the spot.

“Yes, I wanna be in it! Of course,” he says in the video. “Let’s do it. Come on now.”

The cast embraces Alameda as they run through “Under the Sea,” with the mayor dancing and following the choreography as best he can for 14 seconds. In the end, everybody gives him a round of applause and he’s clearly excited to hear the results of his tryout.

“How did I do? How did I do?” Mayor Kimo asks the seafolk, all of them smiling back and wishing him luck.

However, not all of the fish in the sea look convinced of his acting skills.

“Maybe you should try painting,” says Jonah Polloi, who plays Flounder, Princess Ariel’s best friend, in the show.

“Ohhh, oh, man,” Mayor Kimo replies, somewhat dejected but still with a chuckle as he steps to a nearby set piece of a rock, is handed a paintbrush by none other than Prince Eric himself Lenx Neves and begins painting. “And I thought the mayor’s job was hard! Geesh!”

The rest of the video highlights scenes from the dress rehearsal, and the mayor pops up again giving Ariel, played by Charlotte Jo, a huge hug just off stage left.

In case you’re not familiar with “The Little Mermaid,” it tells the story of rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel, who is fascinated with life above the waves.

During one of her visits to the surface, a forbidden escapade by her father King Triton, she falls in love with a human named Prince Eric.

Determined to be with her newfound love, Ariel makes a deal with a scheming sea witch — her aunt and Triton’s sister Ursula — so she can become part of Eric’s world for 3 days and win his love.

The price — her voice. And if she doesn’t succeed, she’s Ursula’s forever.

Despite their best judgement, the princess’ friends — a scaredy yellow-and-blue reef fish, tiny lobster who normally serves at the pleasure of the sea king and wacky seagull — decide to help the now voiceless mermaid out of water, but when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, Triton is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his daughter.

The show includes timeless songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl.”

Here’s a rundown of the HEART production’s main cast:

• Charlotte Jo as Ariel.
• Lenx Neves as Prince Eric.
• Olga Lehua as Ursula.
• Jonah Polloi as Flounder.
• Tatianna Vares-Kanaele as Scuttle.
• Zaira Hahn as Flotsam.
• Lyla Anderson as Jetsam.
• Shelby Saturn Kiera as Sebastian.
• Marcos Belloto Portes as Chef Louis.
• Ester Cabana as Grimsby.

Top creative team members include:

• Producer: Larry Reitzer.
• Director: Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin.
• Assistant director: Sarah Polloi.
• Choreographer: Zoi Nakamura.
• Assistant choreographer: Maya Polloi.
• Music director: Grayson Mento.
• Assistant music director: Cheré Costales.
• Stage manager: Tiari Fa’agata.
• Vocal coach: Josh Payne.
• Rehearsal accompanist: Damien Stack.
• Costume designer: Angie Roiniotis.
• Hair and makeup: Jon “Duckie” Teves.
• Sound designer: Kevin Maeda.
• Lighting designer: Theon Weber.

This is one you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $15 for keiki 12 and younger, $20 general admission and $30 for priority reserved seating.

All prices are $5 more the day of the show, except keiki tickets.

“From the stunning choreography to the beautiful costumes and sets, this show will transport audiences into Ariel’s world like never before,” Aiwohi-Tomlin said.

Visit the Palace Theater website for additional information and purchase purchase.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.