CHS presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

CRESCO - More than 40 students in grades 9-12 are preparing to present the musical “The Little Mermaid”. 

Performances will take place in the Crestwood High School auditorium on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. There will also be a matinee showing on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. Admission price is $5 for adults, $3 for students. Doors will open one-half hour before curtain time (6:30 and 1:30).

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

 

 

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. 

But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Director Karen LeFebvre notes the chorus members are playing various roles during the show, which makes them much busier and more involved. 

“I also have very strong students in the leading roles who have given up a lot of time to learn and memorize their songs as well as choreography,” she added. “These students have had a very busy fall, as many were also involved in cross country, football, cheerleading, volleyball and band. It’s been quite the challenge to figure out the rehearsal schedule because of all of the students’ activities, but it is important that they are also given the opportunity to be in the musical.” 

The students in the cast also build and paint the set pieces. In addition, choreography was done by several students.  “I believe the students should learn as many aspects of a show as possible—not just being the actor on the stage, but also working behind the scenes to make the show come to life.”

Cast List: Rielynn Thompson as Ariel, Donavyn Gosch as Prince Eric, Reece Meinecke as Grimsby, Devin Schott as Flounder, Madison Caffrey as Scuttle, Jackson Smith as King Triton, Mitchell Melaas as Sebastian, Avery Powers as Ursula, Annaleigh Shileny as Flotsam, David Meinecke as Jetsam, Amanda Johnson as Chef Louis, Trista Foster as Aquata, Megan Ferrie as Andrina, Angelina Hayek as Arista, Alexandria Johnston as Atina, D’Oviion Dixon as Adella, Noel Lloyd as Allana, Luke Ishman as the Pilot, Karissa Stika as Windward and Allison Martinek as Leeward.

The following students are in the chorus and play various roles: Chase Burke, Nathanial Bigalk, Andy Osmonson, Reid Wiley, Landon Simiele, Dallas Hubka, Jayden Ruroden, Makayla Wenthold, Ivy Tangen, Emily Blaess, Dory Halasz, Hailey Hunholz, Hanna Ward, Autumn Forcelle, Katlin Born Kenzie Ward and Katrina Sanders.

The stage crew is made up of Chase Burke, Nathanial Bigalk, Andy Osmonson, Reid Wiley, Landon Simiele, Dallas Hubka, Summer Knight, Mary Turnbull and Rachel Ludeking. Isabella Lehmkuhl is in charge of the lights.

Kim Lehmkuhl is the accompanist with Barb Reicks on auxiliary keyboard. David Gosch is the assistant in charge of set construction, special props and special effects. 

The students have put in a lot of effort to bring “The Little Mermaid” to life. Support them in this performance.