News Detail
The Little Mermaid Prepares to Make a Splash!
The sitzprobe is coming!
Not something to be feared, the sitzprobe is the first time that the cast of a musical rehearses together with the orchestra. In the case of Shawnigan’s production of The Little Mermaid, that consequential date is just over a week away.
“This is the moment when it really kicks into gear,” musical director Mr. Sal Interlandi says. “When they get into the McPherson Playhouse, that is another step. Each step brings more excitement.”
The musical version of The Little Mermaid is based on the 1989 Disney animated film, which was in turn based on an 1837 fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and falls in love with a human prince. The show opens on February 4, and the production is becoming more real with every rehearsal.
One of the challenges of putting on The Little Mermaid is creating an entirely new undersea world, so this production is “heavy on design,” according to Mr. Interlandi. The music is also surprisingly complex. “You think ‘Disney,’” he notes, “but the music is quite involved.”
Along with Mr. Interlandi, the task of bringing The Little Mermaid to life is being led by Ms. Mandy Bryant (music), Mrs. Annie Gronsdahl (choreography), Ms. Rosalynd Roome ’91 (production design), and Mr. John Bomans (set design).
The titular role of Ariel is being filled by Grade 12 student Penelope L. “From the very start, she’s been knocking it out of the park,” Mr. Interlandi enthuses.
The object of her affection, Prince Eric, is being played by Isaac C., another Grade 12 but a newcomer to musical theatre. “We are so happy to have him,” Mr. Interlandi says. “He’s a great dancer.”
Alex F. (Grade 11), who played the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago last year, has been cast as Sebastian the crab and is facing the challenge of putting her own spin on a familiar character, while Ursula, the sea witch and main villain of the show, is being played by Victoria B. (Grade 11), another actor who is new to musical theatre but has shown outstanding characterization.
A pair of Grade 12s who have been with the musical theatre program since Grade 9 also have big roles: Leo S. is playing Scuttle, the seagull who is a self-professed expert on human ways, while Yoon O. is playing Jetsam, one of Ursula’s hench-eels, alongside Ellie N. (Grade 11) as Flotsam.
A lot of younger cast members are taking on big roles this year, something that hasn’t been the case in the recent past.
“We usually don’t give big supporting roles to Grade 9s,” Mr. Interlandi admits. “This should inspire some young students to know they have a chance to shine.”
Grade 9s James H. and Isa A. are tackling the roles of Eric’s faithful servant Grimsby and one of the mersisters, respectively. Grade 8 student Glen L. is portraying Ariel’s loyal companion, Flounder.
“This is probably the first time a Grade 8 has taken such a big supporting role,” Mr. Interlandi points out. “He had done musical theatre, and he really impressed in his audition.”
Glen isn’t even the only Grade 8 in a highly visible role, as Violet A. is both a featured ensemble member and featured dancer.
There is still a lot to do before the production moves into the McPherson Playhouse to prepare for opening night, but Mr. Interlandi isn’t fretting.
“It’s going to be a sprint to the end for sure,” he acknowledged, “but the kids always rise to the occasion.”
The Little Mermaid runs for four days in February, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on February 4, 5 and 6, and a 2 p.m. matinee on February 7. Tickets are available here.
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