Little Mermaid Transformation

[tcsta]

The local school is going to do The Little Mermaid (Pioneer Drama version, not Disney) this fall, and I am having trouble designing the first transformation from Mermaid-to-human. FYI...Pioneer's knock-off is the same basic story, just so we're on the same page. But in the script, the scene blacks out when the Sea Witch casts the spell over the Mermaid. Rather than describing or showing the transformation, they just cut away and start a new scene on land. That's not acceptable.

I've read the Beauty and Beast transformation ideas, but they don't quite work for this since part of the "wow" factor is seeing how the Mermaid swims to the surface. Not only does a transformation take place, but it has to appear that she swims from the sea to land at the same time. Ideas? Oh, since it's middle school, a flying rig or any dangerous stunts are automatically out. Thanks all!

[derekleffew]

What about a shadow play behind a translucent backdrop as described here: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/s...tml#post139725 ? Perhaps with a gobo rotator in blue for the underwater changing to amber sun for the land?

[mstutzman]

You could also do a modified version of "Eaka the Girl to Gorrilla", but instead of using a Peppers Ghost, use shadow play. Bassically crossfading between two lights, and crossfading between two images. One with a fish tail and the other with legs.

May or may not work, just what came to mind.

[tcsta]

Thank you for the ideas. I may also try a projection onto the backdrop. If I play up the change with strobes/dark lighting and fog, I should be able to remove the actress and display a pre-recorded projection of her "swimming" to the surface. Once at the top, the real actress reappears onstage as a human. Body doubles could also be used, I guess. Thoughts?

Any other ideas are welcome.

[mstutzman]

Thats very similiar to how we did the hanging in a production of Assassins, Lx shift to a projected surface. Even without smoke or strobes it totally tricks the mind.

[Charc]

Saw England People Very Nice at the National. They had a flawless transition from actors to projection for a hanging. You can explore that route.