Showcasing one sea nymph’s journey to find love and independence, Saint John Vianney High School’s Lancer Productions will present “The Little Mermaid.”
“The Little Mermaid” begins with Ariel, played by senior Sophia Murillo from Keyport, expressing her longing to experience a culture different from the one she was raised in under the sea. Meanwhile, Prince Eric, played by senior William DeMuria of Hazlet, describes how he feels more at home out on the ocean than playing the role of a prince destined to become king, according to a prepared statement from Saint John Vianney High School.
“Being Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’ is truly a dream come true. I fell in love with the movie when I was only 3 years old and since then never stopped singing ‘Part of Your World.’ It is a blast to embody my favorite Disney princess, but the process is still challenging as Ariel has big fins to fill,” Murillo said.
As the story unfolds, Ariel and Eric will strain the royal ties that bind them and venture beyond everything they know, and fall in love along the way, according to a prepared statement from the high school.
According to Murillo, the casts have been rehearsing since Jan. 8.
The high school that is located in Holmdel will present five performances: 7 p.m. on April 12, 13 and 14; and matinees at 1 p.m. on April 14 and at 2 p.m. on April 15.
“I am always excited to be in shows, because musical season for a thespian is the same as football season is for a student athlete. I love working with all the cast members and always my director [Mary-Kate Schmidt], who dedicates all her efforts into the show. Her hard work and love for the musicals motivates me to make sure my whole heart is to the show, as well,” Murillo said.
William said he has been a part of his school’s theater program since his freshmen year and has participated in school’s productions of High School Musical, Grease and Footloose.
“Playing the role of Prince Eric in this production has easily been my favorite role that I have played to date. I believe Eric and I have a lot in common, he never gives up when he has his mind set on something, and nothing is impossible,” William said. “I strongly believe in this in my own life, much like how Eric stops at nothing to find…Ariel’s voice. Prince Eric’s ambition and passion make him such a fascinating and exciting role to play.”
DeMuria said he is most excited to simply see all of the scenes and musical numbers finally being put together completely.
“We have been practicing for some time, so I am excited to see how it looks on stage with all of the lights, props, scenery and costumes. I am especially excited about the set pieces, because this is the first year in my time at [the high school] that we have moveable set pieces, made by [the school’s] very own art teacher, Jaclyn Agnello,” DeMuria said.
Bringing them together are a cast of colorful characters, such as Sebastian the Crab, played by junior Greyson Riley from Matawan; Flounder, played by sophomore James Sullivan from Lincroft; and Scuttle the Seagull, played by junior David Bayha from Jackson, according to a prepared statement.
Sullivan said he decided to do The Little Mermaid, because he loves doing plays and he did it last year, so he knew what he was getting into.
“I think playing Flounder fits my personality to a T. I think Flounder is a fun and energetic person, who loves to be around others,”Sullivan said.
Sullivan said he always has been involved with theater at his school.
“Last year, the director [Schmidt] was my english teacher, and I worked up the courage as a freshman to ask her if I should do it and she has been the person that has helped me through this journey,” Sullivan said.
Standing in their way is Ariel’s father, King Triton, played by senior Nicholas Hunt from Marlboro; Ursula the Sea Witch played by junior Ariana Maturi from Port Monmouth; and two slithery eels, played by seniors Nicholas Hunt from Marlboro and Elizabeth DeLeo from Middletown, according to a prepared statement.
“Overall, I hope that I can play Ursula to the best of my ability. It’s a challenging role for me, and the first major role I’ve gotten in a musical since the beginning of high school, so I’m working harder with this role than any other that I’ve had. Ursula is an incredibly dark character and I hope to portray that as best as possible,” Maturi said.
Maturi said she has done every fall drama and spring musical since freshmen year. She also did theatre in middle school.
“I’m most excited about enjoying the entire theatre experience in terms of involvement, working hard on the show while still having fun with my friends,”Maturi said.
“The Little Mermaid” is a team effort at Saint John Vianney High School with Schmidt returning as director and musical director; Nancy Figur as assistant director and costumes; Chris Scoles as tech director; Debbie Palmer as stage manager; Jaclyn Agnello and Joseph Fano as set designers; and Elizabeth DeLeo as student director and choreographer, according to a prepared statement from the high school.
“I have been engaged in our productions at Saint John Vianney since my freshman year. This year being my last show, I knew I had to audition. The last day of last year’s production, “Footloose”, [Schmidt] our director, asked me if I wanted to be this year’s student director and choreographer,” DeLeo said. “I have been preparing and have waited patiently during the first half of the school year to audition for the show.”
While playing Jetsam, one of Ursula’s eels, DeLeo said she also is playing, Adella, one of Ariel’s six sisters.
“I am most excited about performing [the play] for the audience and seeing their reaction. This cast and crew are all so extremely talented, I cannot stress that enough. We have been working so hard, and I cannot wait for the audience to see all our hard work and how we are performing a Disney classic,” DeLeo said. “This being my last year, I am deeply saddened, but ready to take my final bow in our Little Theatre, because it has been an amazing ride.”
To purchase tickets visit www.sjvhs.booktix.com.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
