Displaying items by tag: Uptown Music Theater

The Broadway musical - Disney's The Little Mermaid - will hit the Uptown Music Theater stage this summer in Deerfield, IL, directed by Tor Campbell, choreographed by Zak Jacobs, music directed and conducted by Aaron Kaplan, and featuring the acclaimed 20-piece JAM Orchestra.

Adored by multi-generational audiences, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a spectacular and beautiful love story for the ages - about identity, community, and finding the strength of your inner voice. With its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World," this phenomenal show will capture your heart!

The cast features Julia Aragon as Ariel, Ethan Lupp as Prince Eric, Michael Davis Arnold as Sebastian, Chelle Crotinger as Ursula, Carmelo Kelly and Léa Juat as Flounder, Owen Gainer as Scuttle, Jeffrey Charles as King Triton, Eric Frietas as Flotsam, and Darrow Richmond as Jetsam.

Disney's The Little Mermaid ensemble includes: Sierra Basilio, Sofia Cunningham, Amber Golich, Jaydn Hogue, Kayla Muldoon, and Athiana Moran as Mersisters, Rachel Bass (Swing), Viva Boresi, Annika Brown (Flotsam u/s), Adonis Claybourne, Chris Finch (Scuttle u/s), Thomas Ferro (King Triton u/s), Chase Grabowski (Chef Louis), Joe Grudt (Pilot, Chef Louis & Grimsby u/s), Bobby Hanson (Grimsby), Joshua Klaber-Higgins, Carly Nadeau (Ariel u/s), Jai Ramirez (Sebastian u/s), Dylan Smith (Prince Eric u/s), Kyle Widener (Jetsam u/s), and Amanda Wilt (Ursula u/s).

The production is directed by Tor Campbell, a Milwaukee native and Northwestern University MFA graduate in Stage Directing whose dynamic career spans continents and prestigious institutions. Campbell has taught and directed at UC Irvine, Juilliard, and Lake Forest College. He currently serves as the Program Director of Musical Theatre at Interlochen, and has worked with Northlight Theatre and was a Goodman Theatre Directing Fellow for the 2024-2025 season.

"Growing up, stories like The Little Mermaid reminded me that finding your voice is an act of courage," said Campbell. "This production dives into the magic, wonder, and heart of that journey while celebrating community, identity, and the power of being seen. We are creating an ocean full of joy, spectacle, and soul for audiences of every generation."

The show is choreographed by Zak Jacobs, a Highland Park native, with a BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Broadway credits as Company Manager. The music team is led by Jeff Award-Nominated Music Director and Conductor Aaron Kaplan, with Kevin Zhou as Associate Music Director. Sharon Miles serves as Associate Director, with Amber Golich as Associate Choreographer. Scenic design is by Jeff Award-Winning Bob Knuth, and costume and wig design is by Jazmin Aurora Medina.

Joel Zishuk serves as both Technical Director and Lighting Designer, with Mike Patrick on sound design. Stage management is led by Sage Ayelet Brown, with Squid (Sydney) Berk as Assistant Stage Manager. Isa Pardilla is Props Designer. Gianna Carter is Production Manager, Inaija Butler is Audience Services Manager, and Lark Creative Group (Whitney Langas, Bianca Rose, and Holly Weis) leads marketing, PR, and social media.

Jamie Davidson, Uptown's Artistic Director, shares: "The Little Mermaid is an empowering and inspiring story that transcends Disney magic. We cannot wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone."

—-

July 18–August 2, 2026
Saturdays at 2 PM (July 18, 25 & Aug. 1)
Sundays at 2 PM (July 19, 26 & Aug. 2)
Friday, July 24 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 PM

The Performing Arts Center at Deerfield High School
1959 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL

For tickets and information: uptownhp.org

Uptown Music Theater Highland Park hits all the right notes with their electrifying staging of Hairspray - a radiant production bursting with kinetic energy and a message that feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s. Under Tor Campbell’s dynamic direction and deft choreography, the show dazzles with retro flair, reimagining John Waters’ cult classic into a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and joy.

Set in Baltimore’s swinging ‘60s, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, a teen with sky-high hair and sky-higher hopes, whose winning moves and spirited charm earn her a spot on the Corny Collins Show. But Tracy’s dance floor debut sparks more than fame—she becomes a beacon of change, confronting segregation and defying conventional beauty standards with boldness and heart.

Beneath the glittering costumes and high-octane choreography, Hairspray hums with sharp-witted satire and a powerful call for inclusion. At its emotional core is Edna Turnblad—portrayed, in true tradition, by a man in drag—whose journey as Tracy’s mother weaves humor and heart into the show’s celebration of self-acceptance. From the dreamy swell of “I Can Hear the Bells” to the adrenaline rush of “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” the production dazzles with theatrical flair while staying rooted in its message: that joy, justice, and rhythm are revolutionary forces in the face of convention.

Taking place at Highland Park High School, scenic designer Bob Knuth absolutely goes off and transplants theatregoers into the early 1960s incorporating even the tiniest details of that mod era into his set. The visuals are complimented by Ben Argenta Kress, who deftly fashions the costumes that really recreate the youthquake movement. If, like myself, you love the style of the early 1960s, you are in for a big treat.

Scott Spector (Edna) and Grace Hall (Tracy) in 'Hairspray'. 

Grace Hall radiates charisma and talent in the role of Tracy Turnblad, winning over the audience almost instantly with her spirited performance of “Good Morning Baltimore.” From that opening number onward, Hall proves irresistible - charming, confident, and utterly delightful. Her portrayal not only anchors the show but makes Tracy’s journey feel personal and empowering.

The cast surrounding her is nothing short of exceptional, each performance adding texture and warmth to this buoyant production. Lily Ramras brings sweet sass and impeccable timing as Penny Pingleton, Tracy’s quirky best friend, while Erin Kelly gives a wonderfully neurotic turn as Penny’s uptight mother, Prudy. Abraham Deitz-Green dazzles as love interest Link Larkin, showcasing smooth vocals and slick dance moves that light up the stage. Ajene Cooks as Seaweed J. Stubbs is a showstopper - his graceful, razor-sharp choreography and rich, emotive voice makes each of his scenes feel electric.

Scott Spector delivers a riotously funny and heartfelt portrayal of Edna Turnblad, balancing outrageous humor with surprising vulnerability. As husband Wilbur, Corey Mills holds his own beautifully, drawing laughs with his understated charm and seasoned comedic instincts.

Sharon Miles brings soulful gravitas as Motormouth Maybelle, her vocals soaring with both power and emotional nuance - she stops the show in the best way possible. Ethan Lupp brings irresistible pep and charisma to Corny Collins, while A’mia Imani charms as the spunky Little Inez, adding vibrant energy to every scene she’s in.

And the hilarious mother-daughter antagonists, Velma and Amber Von Tussle, portrayed by Emma Jean Estlund and Rebecca Mactaggart respectively, are a gleeful spectacle of comic flair and exaggerated villainy. Their performances strike just the right balance between camp and conviction, elevating the production’s satirical edge.

The dancing is as tight as it gets and the vocal efforts are admirable, thanks to an amazing ensemble that is positively fun to watch. Put it all together and we have one heckuva production!    

“This cast is electric,” said Director Campbell. “They’re not just learning steps—they’re channeling the heartbeat of a movement. Hairspray might be wrapped in beehives and bops, but it’s about what it takes to be seen, to be heard, and to break through. This isn’t just a show—it’s a joyful rebellion.”

Since its Broadway debut in 2002, Hairspray has transcended its status as a feel-good musical to become a vibrant cultural touchstone. With the infectious energy of its early ’60s setting, it boldly tackles issues of race, body image, and social justice—shining a spotlight on the entrenched inequalities of the entertainment world. Tracy Turnblad’s transformation from eccentric teen to fearless activist echoes the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, challenging audiences to confront the biases that linger beneath today’s bright lights and big stages.

What elevates Hairspray beyond standard musical fare is its ingenious blend of breezy fun and pointed activism. Through catchy tunes and unapologetic camp, it makes complex social issues—race, representation, body image—accessible without losing their emotional bite. Motormouth Maybelle anchors the story with soul and gravitas, voicing resilience and hope with every powerhouse note. And when the Corny Collins Show bursts into full integration, it’s not just plot resolution - it’s a euphoric emblem of youthful rebellion and transformative spirit. Hairspray reminds us, with glitter and grit, that joy can be revolutionary and identity unapologetically bold.

Highland Park High School’s theater is a wonderful venue for theatrical productions, especially one like this with such a large cast and a 20-plus-piece orchestra led by Aaron Kaplan. Inside, every corner radiated charm, cozy enough to feel personal, grand enough to feel electric. When the lights dimmed and the music sparked to life, the whole theater seemed to take a collective breath. And as the performers lit up the stage, the room itself responded, alive with applause and laughter, while soaking in the whole-hearted moments. I didn’t just watch the show—I got swept up in it.

It’s a shame the run was so brief—just two weekends, wrapping up on August 3rd—because I would’ve loved the chance to experience it all over again. That said, Uptown Music Theater Highland Park left an indelible mark. Their production was so polished and heartfelt, it’s made me genuinely excited to see what they deliver next. They’ve certainly earned a spot on my radar. For more information on this fantastic theatre company, visit http://www.uptownhp.org/.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!