On Jan. 13, the drama department held their first rehearsal consisting of 121 students, including cast and crew. The directors, crew and staff are overjoyed to be putting on this musical for all to see.
“I was so excited whenever he announced ‘The Little Mermaid’, ” senior Jillian Pierannunzio, who will star as Ariel, said. “I didn’t even care what role I was going to get. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. In freshman year, we did ‘Newsies,’ and that was my favorite show. And then he announced we were doing the ‘Little Mermaid’, and I was even more excited because I love Disney musicals. I just love that they were my first and last year.”
The crews are putting in a lot of time to make sure the production runs smoothly. Behind the scenes they spend countless hours making sure the set is ready to go for the show.
“I just try to make sure, because I’m the head paint designer for the show this year Senior Stayley Drenning said, “This week, I’ll be able to make sure everybody knows what they’re doing before we actually get to paint like I will show an example of how to do it, and then make sure everybody knows what they’re doing and feel comfortable. And if they don’t feel comfortable or confident in how to do it, then we can put them on something else.”
The cast has rehearsal weekly whether it is the full cast or just certain roles to make sure they are all ready to perform for an audience. The show will take place from April 3 to 5.
Senior Skylar Rutherford is more than thrilled to play her role in the production. Rutherford has been casted as Ursula.
“I’m excited to play like the sassiness and the more evil aspect of her,” senior Rutherford said. “I feel like I’m not normally like that, and it’s going to be a challenge for me and my abilities.”
The directors spend countless hours and time figuring out what performance they want to put on, along with cast roles and choreographing the dances and teaching the music so the notes are sung the correct way.
Well, it’s not easy and a theatre director has to be highly organized,” Drama Director Ben Cossitor said. “I am constantly adding to my “To Do” list on my phone as I think of new things that have to get done. Emails often get sent when I think of something that needs to be communicated, even if it’s the middle of the night. Luckily I have a great team of adults that help to make sure all the different parts of the show are taken care of (music, dance, sets, costumes, etc.). I keep tabs on everything, but after working together for so long, we all work really well together and know what our jobs are.”