By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
JACKSON – Theatergoers of all ages will take a trip under the sea when students present the musical “The Little Mermaid” at Jackson Memorial High School at 6:30 p.m. March 10, noon and 6:30 p.m. March 11, and 2 p.m. March 12.
The musical will be directed by art teacher Bobbie Allaire, who said the musical is an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s novel “The Little Mermaid.”
“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,’ ” Allaire said.
According to Allaire, more than 200 students, including about 20 elementary school students, are participating in the production as performers, builders, backstage crew and musicians.
The cast of “The Little Mermaid” includes Ariel (Amber Bialoglow), Prince Eric (Hunter Fink), Sebastian (John Gallagher), King Triton (Matt Ebersole), Ursula (Madison Stephens), Flounder (Corinne Jones), Scuttle (Jacob Rechel), Flotsam (Megan Rafferty), Jetsam (Kelly McNally), Grimsby (Tom Perucki) and Ariel’s sisters: Katrina Zangrillo, Sejal Summers, Grace Burrows, Emily Elias, Marley Anders and Jamilah Rosemond.
“This is truly a magical production that will thrill children and adults,” Allaire said. “I hope people will come out and see how hard our students have been working to bring this show to life in a fun, engaging and beautiful way.
“Our hope is that families will come out together to see this beautifully orchestrated musical. It will fill your senses with pleasant memories and lift your hearts with its timeless melodies.”
Beginning March 10, tickets ($15) will only be sold starting two hours prior to performance at the Jackson Memorial High School Fine Arts Center, Don Connor Boulevard.
