Van Tighem’s production of Little Mermaid swims on-stage

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on April 26, 2023.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Father Leonard Van Tighem School performing arts students run through a scene of their production of The Little Mermaid Junior during dress rehearsal Monday afternoon at the Yates Memorial Theatre.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Father Leonard Van Tighem School performing arts students are showcasing their latest production The Little Mermaid Junior, today and tomorrow at the Yates Memorial Theatre.

Drama teacher and production director, Michele Loman said they are playing off of the success of their Aladdin Jr. production from last year and decided to stick with a Disney production.

“We had a lot of success with a Disney production, and we wanted to keep building our program this year, so we picked this one,” said Loman. “It has some really great music, has a lot of really good characters and some opportunity for some exciting costumes and effects during the show that we’re really looking forward to.”

Loman said this year’s production has about 80 students involved, which includes cast and crew.

“Our cast is just over 40 and about another 40 that are doing hair, makeup, sets and all of that fun stuff backstage.”

Grade 9 student Anne Wobschall who plays Ariel, said during their dress rehearsal Monday, she specifically asked for the role because Ariel is her favourite Disney princess and The Little Mermaid is her favourite Disney movie, and she is excited to perform.

“I just can’t wait,” Wobshall said. “I really like one step closer (scene), because I really like my blue dress and I love dancing.”

Grade 9 student Shaina Spiess, who plays Ursula, echoed her words and said it feels good to perform after putting in so much hard work.

“It’s nice to finally be able to show it off to everybody,” Spiess said. “We have been working on it since the start of November.”

Spiess said she asked for the role of Ursula because she enjoys being the villain in plays.

“I like how powerful she is and how she can have a lot of fun and cause all the problems in the play.”

She said her favourite scene is the poor unfortunate souls scene where she convinces Ariel to trade her voice for a pair of legs.

Loman said they stuck to the original songs, and everything is the way it came from Broadway Junior.

The Little Mermaid Junior is offering three shows daily, with the matinee shows welcoming students from other schools, and the night show open to the general public.

“We have really full matinee shows, we’ve got lots of different schools coming to watch us this week and the evening shows are open to the public,” said Loman.

Tickets for the general admission shows at 6:30 p.m. can be purchased from the school’s website or at the door at the Yates Memorial Theatre.

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