"The Little Mermaid" Delivers

Ms. Bryant recalled asking one of the orchestra members, who has been a music director herself, why a Disney musical would be so challenging, and she replied that Disney has the money to stage something big and magical when they take one of their films to Broadway, and that is still the case when schools put on their musicals. “The expectations on the students are huge,” she said.

 

The musicians are almost all professionals, although music teacher Mr. Vince Hale and Grade 10 flautist Yeaha K. took their talents into the orchestra pit as well.

 

Whether it is The Little Mermaid or Chicago (last year’s production), the School musical is always a big endeavour, director and producer Mr. Sal Interlandi noted.

 

“This is the flagship production of the School,” he said. “This is when performing arts gets its moment in the light. A lot of pride goes into it. When we talk about experiential learning, this is the capstone for a lot of students.”

 

While Chicago had minimal requirements for a set and costumes, The Little Mermaid required the creation of an entire undersea world, and that responsibility fell to production designer and producer Mrs. Rosalynd Roome, and set builder Mr. John Bomans.

 

The stars of the show, of course, were the student performers, led by Penelope L. as the titular mermaid, Ariel.

 

“Penelope didn’t show up to her audition thinking she deserved a starring role as a Grade 12 who was in the ensemble last year. She came in working hard to earn that role,” Mr. Interlandi said. “She was extraordinary. She worked really hard, and she knocked it out of the park.”

Penelope delivered on stage and off. Mr. Interlandi shared a story about her meeting a little girl dressed as Ariel outside her dressing room and introducing herself as the mermaid and having her photo taken with the girl.

 

“I truly love the theatre and being on stage, which is why it’s hard to believe that this was my last musical,” Penelope said. “Words cannot begin to express how incredibly grateful I was to have worked with such an amazing group of people. The theatre has allowed me to showcase my creativity and to make memories which I will carry with me forever.”

 

Greg P., who played Ariel’s father, King Triton, is best known on campus for his athletic feats, but found a passion for the theatre in his first School musical, something that Mr. Interlandi says isn’t unusual. “The musicals show that there are different sides to these students.”

 

Other outstanding performances came from Isaac C. as Prince Eric, Alex F. as Sebastian, Victoria B. as Ursula, Leo S. as Scuttle, Yoon O. and Ellie N. as Jetsam and Flotsam, and Gordon P. as Chef Louis.

 

A youth movement also helped propel the musical, with Grade 8 student Glen L. taking the key role of Flounder after his excellent audition gave the production team little choice. The same thing could be said for James H. (Grade 9) as Grimsby, and Violet A. (Grade 8), who was a featured dancer alongside Callia B., Clara C., and Devyn M.

 

“It’s such a great thing when you can throw a supporting role at a Grade 8 or 9 and they can shine and not be intimidated,” Mr. Interlandi said.

 

Everything took place under the auspices of stage manager Sloane W., who oversaw all the backstage goings-on, working with union technicians and learning how to call a show.

 

While there may have been moments of uncertainty, the show all came together in time for its run.

 

“The students probably doubt their own abilities because it’s such a professional thing they’re doing,” Ms. Bryant said. “Once they get in the theatre they realize what it is they have to do and step it up.”