Students to present 'Little Mermaid'
Posted on: Sep 1, 2021
The school year starts with a splash for Delano students in grades 5-8, who will present “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” during the first week of classes.
Show times in the Delano High School Performing Arts Center are 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 9-10, and a 2 p.m. matinee follows on Saturday, Sept. 11.
The production includes familiar tunes from the classic animated movie, along with a few additions from the Broadway version. It follows the adventures of a young mermaid named Ariel, who longs to live a new life on land. Along the way she must overcome the objections of her father, King Triton; the machinations of the evil sea witch, Ursula; and the confusion of her human friend, Prince Eric.
A new opportunity
After the middle school play was canceled last year due to COVID-19, a total of 29 cast members are anxious to return to the spotlight or make their pandemic-delayed debuts.
“I’m very excited,” said seventh-grader Carson Snow, who plays the role of Sebastian. “I’ve never performed a play before, and it’s going to be especially fun in this great facility.”
Sixth-grader Alivia Rodriguez, also a rookie, plays Ariel.
“This is my first show, but I enjoy watching my sister do hers every year,” Rodriguez said, referring to her senior sibling Maya. “Theater has always been a big part of my family’s life. Every one of my siblings has gone out for a play and gotten a good role.”
Despite that family tradition, Rodriguez said that securing the title role was unexpected.
“My mom told me I would probably just get a smaller part,” said Rodriguez. “I was really surprised when I got the lead. I was the last person in my house to know. Everyone was in an uproar.”
Delano Intermediate School teacher Natalie Palmer is directing the show, along with the help of eight high school student directors. How does she feel about returning to the theater after the year off?
“It’s so great. It just puts some normalcy back in life,” Palmer said. “I love working with kids, and these kids are such a great group. They always come in very animated and excited, and they have great attitudes.”
Preparations
Rehearsals began in mid-July, so although performances take place the first week of school, there has been no lack of preparation.
“A big thank you to parents who have been really, really supportive,” said Palmer. “They have changed schedules and some family vacations to allow kids to practice. They’ve been just wonderful.”
The eight high school directors have been a key part of the process.
“The directors are amazing,” said Palmer. “They do it out of the goodness of their hearts. They learn sound and lights and choreography and how to work with big groups, so it’s quite a skill set to develop.”
What have some of those directors enjoyed most about the rehearsals and preparations?
“They have so much enthusiasm,” said senior stage manager Emily Barron about the younger performers. “Every day is a new adventure with them. They’re excited all the time, every single day.”
Along with freshman assistant Mallory Musta, Barron handles much of the blocking and tech for the show.
“Every show is so different in terms of light design,” said Barron. “In this one we get to play more with color, making it look like they’re under the water and in a palace. There are lots of golds and blues, and lots of funky undersea costumes.”
“I love working with the costuming,” said Musta. “It’s really fun to see everyone get to become their character and come out of their shell a little more.”
Becoming their characters
Some performers can identify with their stage roles more easily than others. One of the more challenging assignments is to portray the story’s villain. Seventh-grader Alexis Zens explained how she prepares to play Ursula convincingly.
“It’s really hard to get into character. You’ve got to get in gear before it starts,” she said with a laugh. “You just have to be really evil and boss everybody around. You get to do stuff you would never do otherwise, so that’s really fun.”
Snow feels a more natural affinity for his crustacean alter ego.
“I love being Sebastian,” he said. “The play needs a funny character, and I feel like Sebastian is that character. I would never trade for a different role.”
Focus on relationships
While preparing a play is hard work, from memorizing lines to fine-tuning movements and sets, Palmer said that students have a lot to gain from the activity.
“There are some strong skills that you pick up in drama,” she said. “They learn how to do public speaking and how to work with other groups of people. But my number one priority is for them to just develop some deep friendships with some other kids. It gives them that solid base as they enter high school to have strong friends.”
Each of the actors and crew members agreed that the camaraderie was one of the best aspects of the entire effort, and one that sustained them during challenging times.
“If we mess up a little bit we all laugh it off and try again,” said Rodriguez. “It’s just fun.”
“I enjoy encouraging other people and bonding, because this is something we can all enjoy together,” said Snow. “That’s what matters most to me.”
Tickets
Tickets for the event are available online and at the door. The cost is $5 per ticket, and children age 5 and under get in for free. To purchase tickets online, click here.
Post Categories: High School, Intermediate School