The Disney animation “The Little Mermaid” based on the Hans Christian Andersen story will be brought to life at the Lester Centre during Winterfest weekend.
Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, Scuttle, Prince Eric and of course Ursula will be there, including a few extra that were added to the broadway production. The elaborate set and costumes will amaze, as well as the careful coordination between the live band and actors on stage.
“We’ve got a mix of experience and some newbies on stage,” said Alison O’Toole, director and drama teacher at CHSS.
A collaboration of students, teachers and volunteers have made the production possible in only a short period of time. The new band teacher at the high school, Adam Ward, has also stepped up as the musical director.
Preparations and rehearsals began mid-September at Charles Hays Secondary School. All assets of the school have been utilized: 27 students in the musical theatre program perform in the play, arts students provide paintings for the set, the shop class has built items for the set, the textile class has been creating costumes without patterns.
“I find a picture on the Internet and ask them to make it,” O’Toole said. “I’ve had staff members who help out. Ursula’s costume is a walking set piece. It’s a feast for the eyes.”
Choosing “The Little Mermaid” seemed right this year to O’Toole who hopes for similar success like the “Beauty and the Beast” production a few years ago. At the Saturday matinee, the actors will come out in costume and kids can take photos with them in the lobby.
Showtime is on Thursday, Dec. 1 and Friday Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets can be pre-purchased at the Lester Centre or Cooks Jewellers for $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. There is a $2 surcharge at the door.