Movies and TV shows can be nice, but with all the trouble in the world today, there’s nothing that compares to live theater. It has the power to transport audiences to simpler and funnier times, or sometimes sadder and more trying times. Throughout each academic year, the EC Performing Arts Department is always bringing the tiny auditorium on the second floor of Admin to life with timeless stories, and this spring our stage was graced with a true classic: The Little Mermaid.
The cast of The Little Mermaid delivers a striking performance
Directed by department head Scott Gagnon, the mainstage production combines gorgeous costumes, lighting, props, and sound with the unique interpretation of about thirty student actors. As soon as the main lights go down, it’s impossible not to become fully immersed in the familiar story of a young mermaid struggling to reconcile her love for the shore with her duties to her family and friends underwater.
Temma Beaudreau (‘18) immediately captivates as adventurous and daydreamy Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s seven daughters. Whenever she is onstage, it is apparent that she loves and respects the role, one that she truly does justice with her beautiful voice and presence. We forgive her usage of a fork as a comb in the show because honestly, the script calls for it and it’s a pretty resourceful use of cutlery.
David Tracy (‘17) is an excellent Prince Eric. His strong vocals and commitment to each moment are unparalleled, and the moments he shares with Temma as Ariel are especially authentic– it’s no wonder he’s about to graduate with a degree in chemistry! He is also well-supported by his pipe-smoking guardian Grimsby and adorably shaggy dog, Max (Connor Lynch and Emily Tessier, ‘19, respectively).
Every story of heroes and damsels needs a villain, and Sadie Piatt (‘18) rises to the challenge in her portrayal of Ariel’s aunt Ursula, a sea witch banished from Triton’s kingdom for her questionable use of magic. Sadie’s Ursula is a cocktail of whim, humor, and horror, and the way she belts out songs like “Daddy’s Little Angel” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” demands that audiences hang onto her every word.
Ursula negotiates a deal with Ariel, alongside her eel minions, Flotsam and Jetsam
King Triton is brought to life by Cameron Sullivan (‘17). Cam’s concern for his wayward daughter is conveyed beautifully when he laments his situation in “If Only”, and he delivers a very convincing performance both as a father and as a king.
On her journey through turbulent waters and even on the shoreline, Ariel is guided by many puppet friends, some with gills and some without. The hesitant crab Sebastian is tasked by Triton with being Ariel’s stand-in guardian, someone to keep her on the straight and narrow. EC alum Doug Dame (‘13) brings a great humor and sincerity to Sebastian in his efforts to mediate between the king and his daughter.
Meanwhile, Ariel’s fish friend Flounder is played by Eimile Bowden (‘18). Eimile is an absolutely adorable Flounder; her performance in “She’s in Love” is super catchy, and her intense reactions to every little plot development are hugely comedic.
The mersisters inform Flounder that Ariel is in love with a human
Last of the puppets is the seagull Scuttle, expert on all things related to land and its treasures. John Nordt (‘18) owns the stage as Scuttle, with many blink-or-you-might-miss-it moments of hilarity (such as checking a beached Prince Eric for a pulse by listening to his foot) and tap dancing antics.
Emmanuel’s production of The Little Mermaid is brimming with more talent than possible to write about in one review: Sammy Martin (‘17) and Chris Garcia (‘20) are hysterical as Ursula’s eel sidekicks, decked out in full body suits with accompanying hand puppets. Ariel’s six sisters steal the show in their group numbers, especially towards the end when they take on the role of competing princesses and poorly serenade Eric. Above all, I will never forget one of the earliest scenes in Act II, where Chef Louis (Brandon Morales, ‘20) puts together a meal for the prince and his guests that would probably get him landed on Worst Cooks in America. Everyone– be it maid, sailor, or gorgeously painted member of the ocean– contributed toward telling an incredible story this past weekend at Emmanuel College. I look forward to see what’s next in store for our performing arts department!
All photos courtesy of Merrill Shea Photography