William Thomas Middle School performed Little Mermaid Jr to a crowd. I specify that it was middle school because the talent was so impressive it could have been at least High School.
We are all familiar with the story, the junior version is a stage adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, based on the animated film. It follows Ariel (Chantaya Huse), a young mermaid who dreams of life on land. Defying her father, King Triton (Ryder Magee), she makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula (Rachel Carter), trading her voice for human legs. With the help of her friends – Flounder (Mattie Mendez), Sebastian (Carson Anglesey), and Scuttle (Taylor Evans) – Ariel must win Prince Eric’s (Eryx Hamann) love before time runs out. Meanwhile, Ursula schemes to take over the ocean. In the end, Ariel regains her voice, defeats Ursula, and earns Triton’s blessing to live on land with Eric and fulfill her dreams.
The thing about school plays is that usually there is a fair amount of mistakes, but I have to say they were impressively few in this production. Sebastian showed particular talent, playing his role with the perfect amount of exaggeration and accent. Ursula did the most fantastic rendition of “poor unfortunate souls” that really couldn’t be rivalled by professionals. Scuttle was another stand-out performer as was Chef Louis (Maximino Cardona). Ariel is rather an obvious role to call out but Chantaya Huse did the role justice.
The only negative thing I have to say about the whole thing was the announcement at the beginning, courtesy of Disney. They forbid photography or video of any kind. Corporations like Disney have a way of feeling their evil sea witch tentacles out into even the smallest towns and holding them in their clutches to squeeze out a legal suit and money. I hope Disney reads this to know that they really could afford to sacrifice a tiny bit of exclusivity to allow children’s parents and the community to photograph a student acting a part for goodness sake! There isn’t going to be any money made from selling a photo of a student in a costume that is going to rob profits from Disney. Come on! So, I present you with the only legal photograph, a cast photo.
But back to the positives. About sixty students graced the stage in costumes by Disguises Costumes, Denver, CO. Brian Leisher directed with Isabella Fernandez as student director/projections. Frankie Reyes and Noelle Cummins were sound technicians. This adaptations included all your favorites with sixteen well-known musical numbers.
Just because they didn’t have a major roll it seems a shame to leave out anyones name because everybody did such a great job. So I’ll list the characters not already mentioned and their student actor(ess). Pilot, Maximino Cardona; Grimsby. Gunzen Rose; Winword, Benson Cummins; Aquata, Paige Barela; Andrina, Hope VanSell; Arista, Elaine Bennett; Atina, Ali Blauer; Adella, Akacia Taylor; Allana, Eden Driscoll’ Flotsam, Lainey Moore; Jetsam, Hannah VanSell; Carlotta, Larissa Rascon Marquez.
Gulls: Emalee Alvarez Cardona, Claudia Andrews, Ember Driscoll, Hannah Fowler, Henry Moore, Katelyn Anglesey, Lillianna Duffin, Rebecca Muench.
Sailors: Kylee Blair, Cynthia Amboh, Larissa Rascon Marquez, Jocelyn Gonzalez, Pyper Duffin, Emy Leisher, Jetta Pfeifer, Sophia Novak, Eli Leisher.
Sea Creatures: AnnaLee Williams, Kelly Quillin, Ashley Cardona, Brynlee Chandler, Emy Leisher, Erik Gilbert, Jenna Hanini, Jimena McLean, Kylee Garcia, Myaleta Curzon, Oaklee Anderson, Oakley Sprague, Phoebe Barela, Rhapsody Hanchey, Rowan Laffoon, Annie Klinkenborg, London Quillin, Sofia Mata, Jonathan Palacios, Leslie Palacios, Bryan Alvarez Cardona.
Chefs: Ava Edwards, Audrina Harris, Addalyn Sweeney, Noelle Lammers, Ariana Torres Rangel, Eli Leisher, Gabriella Garza, Konrad Wallentine.
Mr. Leisher would like to thank all of the volunteers, students and staff who made the production possible, especially the cast members who have spent countless hours preparing. Bravo!
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