On Oct 24 and 26, the theater department put on a production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, after two months of preparation. Students from all grade levels performed in all the different aspects of the production: the cast, crew, and pit orchestra.
This musical, set in the “bottomless blue”, follows its main character Ariel, as played by senior Wren Frey, in her mission to find where she belongs. While doing so, she fortunately meets the love of her life, Prince Eric, as played by sophomore Micheal Bowman.
To become human and be a “part of that world,” Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, as played by Rosie Wagner. In exchange for legs for three days, Ariel has to kiss Prince Eric in three days; otherwise, her soul belongs to Ursula for eternity.
According to Mr. Christopher Thomas, the LHS theater director, one of the main goals of this production was to convey a sense of magic to the audience.
“The students in the pit orchestra, crew and cast, as a whole company, have come together to really embody [the magic] in this production,” said Thomas. “I think we did a great job, which is exciting.”
For example, senior Lauren Podlogar, the stage manager for the musical, works behind the scenes to create parts of this magic as well.
“I run all the cues, all the lighting and all the scene changes,” said Podlogar. “Basically, when you see anything that changes, that isn’t by an actor or an actress, it’s because I called it.”
Another important aspect of this “magic” comes from the movement and choreography of the characters.
“[It’s] important [to use] the different characters that are in the show to help inspire the movement…based on whatever story the character is trying to tell” said Mrs. Eryn Brown, the choreographer of this show and the dance teacher at LHS.
Even with all these parts, the instrumental music is a large part of the “magic” as well.
The Pit Orchestra, directed by Mr. Dustin Helvie, is a combination of strings, winds, and percussion that provides a backing instrumental for the entire show. By flooding the auditorium with the sounds of their instruments, the “magic” continues to build.
“This is the best time of my life. I love Pit [Orchestra] so much. I look forward to it every single year,” said junior Lizzie Hamilton, a trumpet player in the winds section and owner of the LHS pit Instagram.
“As stage manager, [I] can see everything sort of come together from both the acting perspective and the set perspective,” said Podlogar. “Then, you get to see the pit, and it all comes together in one beautiful show.”
The musical is an exciting time for all those involved. Each production results in a strong sense of community within all the participants.
“Everyone in the cast, crew and pit is so fun,” said freshman Charlie Wells, who plays Flounder. “They’re so fun to just hang around with.”
Members of the crew also love the energy everyone brings to the musical. For example, Junior Tyler Houglum, the lightboard operator, had a great time participating in this musical.
“However, my favorite part is probably working with people, obviously,” said Houglum.
Similarly, all costume crew members work together throughout the production. For example, according to junior Lucy Giovannetti, a costume crew member, it takes several students to quickly change one character during a production. This collaborative effort brings students closer together.
“I love all the different people I get to meet [through this program]” said Giovannetti. “We form such a community where we all rely on one another and work together for a common goal.”
Overall, this production of The Little Mermaid will be remembered by all as a lively, magical event for years to come. The next performance by the theater department will be their One Acts Festival. These short plays will be created, directed and performed by students on Dec. 5 and 6.
