Rachelle Ann, Erik to star in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical
"Party Pilipinas" mainstay Rachelle Ann Go and the "Prince of Pop" Erik Santos join the ranks of other mainstream performers who dabbled into theater as they headline in the Manila production of the Broadway musical "Disney's The Little Mermaid" this November.
Rachelle Ann will play the musical's leading role, the mermaid Princess Ariel. As the adventurous daughter of King Triton, Ariel yearns to live a life on land. Meanwhile, Erik will play Rachelle's leading man, Prince Eric.
"The Little Mermaid" will Rachelle and Eric's first time in professional theater.
The Kapuso artist, who is also part of GMA 7's "Nita Negrita," said she auditioned for the role in order the experience the strict discipline needed by stage actors.
"Yung sinasabi nila sa akin na it's really different. Yung showbiz kasi parang magulo, ganyan. And yung discipline dito sa theater napakahirap, pero after mo ma-experience ang dami mong matututunan," Rachelle said.
Meanwhile, Erik was handpicked for the role by the musical's co-director, Bobby Garcia.
"Two years ago pa, alam ko na yung kanta. Kasi direk Bobby gave the CD to me two years ago pa," he said. "I believe na theater is a good training na rin for my voice and siguro, more so, sa discipline," Erik added.
"Disney's The Little Mermaid," to be mounted by Atlantis Productions, is the Broadway musical based on the 1989 animated film of the same name. The stage production of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale features songs from the Disney film as well as 10 new songs made especially for the Broadway musical.
"Disney's The Little Mermaid," to be directed by Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, will have a five weekend run from November 18 to December 11 at the Meralco Theater.
