By: Alexis Stallard, Editor-in-Chief
It’s time to return to blissful childhood and enjoy one of Disney’s classics.
Newman’s music and theater departments will be bringing “The Little Mermaid” to the big stage of the De Mattias Performance Hall this weekend. Directed by Deanne Zogleman alongside Paul Graves, this musical has a different tone than last year’s musical, “Big Fish.”
“Last year, we did a more dramatic musical and decided we would look at Disney this year for some variety,” Zogleman said.
Zogleman also said that the amount of talent in this year’s freshman class brought even more to an already talented group. She said she is certain that students will enjoy the show’s costumes and humor.
“The entire cast performs the song ‘Under the Sea,’ which is pure happiness, and everyone knows that song even if they haven’t seen the show,” Zogleman said.
Freshman Hunter Bartholomew will be playing Prince Eric, and senior Talia Powers will be playing Ariel. Zogleman said that both actors have been working hard in their roles and learning the depth of their characters.
Powers said that learning to delve deeper with her character for this show has been exciting.
“As far as Ariel goes, I made a backstory for her that made sense to me and have been using that along with the actual movie to make acting choices throughout the show,” Powers said.
Powers said that she is excited for students to see the work that the cast has been putting in.
“The entire cast and crew have worked so hard to make this show possible, and I hope that the audience has as much fun as the cast when watching the show,” Powers said.
She said that all the music for the show is beautiful but that “Part of Your World” is one of her favorites. “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” is her other favorite because she has a great time performing it.
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is showing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and a final performance will happen at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online for $15 for the general public; $10 for seniors, military and Newman faculty and staff; and $5 for non-Newman students. All Newman students who present their student IDs will get free admission.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Deanne Zogleman