By: Michaelina Miconi, Absegami High School, Galloway
EGG HARBOR, N.J. — Cedar Creek High School‘s splash production of The Little Mermaid was an exhilarating and heartfelt spectacle that brought the magic of the ocean to life! The vibrant performances, stunning visuals, and captivating music created an experience that enchanted the audience from start to finish.
The Little Mermaid, with story by Hans Christian Andersen and music composed by Alan Menken, premiered as a Disney film in 1989 and became a musical sensation in 2008. The story follows a mermaid named Ariel who longs for a human prince and trades her voice to become human for him.
It was difficult not to remain engaged during a show like this. The entire cast was always in character and ready to perform, making each moment feel vibrant and alive with emotion. The power and joy reflected in the faces of the ensemble were genuinely captivating.
Ariel, who is played by Bailey Kurtz, and Prince Eric, who is played by Carter Wilson, are both incredibly talented actors. Bailey’s stunning vocals capture the heart and longing in “Part of Your World,” bringing charm and depth to the role and making Ariel feel more genuine. Carter’s strong stage presence and natural chemistry with Bailey made their scenes feel heartfelt and authentic.
The entire ensemble was emotion-filled throughout the show, adding the extra bit of pizzazz that the performance needed. Some performers took it to a whole new level, though. Sailor/Chef Rylee Cohen was over the top and truly infused each scene he was in with life. Mersisters Malanie Pagan and Mia Simone, who played Arista and Andrina, showcased not only powerful vocals that enlivened the mersister scenes but also flawless choreography, knowing every step and every count without missing a beat. Flotsam and Jetsam, portrayed by the incredibly talented Reese Dolinsky and Joshua Levine, enhanced the deviousness of their mistress, Ursula, played by the wickedly gifted Guadalupe Juarez-Malagon. Together, these three brought a manipulative feel to Ursula rather than pure evil, which was a refreshing aspect of the show. A scene worth mentioning is “Les Poissons,” performed by the hilarious Lauren Rhodes as Chef Louis. Although The Little Mermaid marked her debut with Cedar Creek Theatre, she truly gave her all on stage. Not a single soul in the audience could resist laughing at her hysterical chase with Sebastian, played by Danyelle Foye, during “Les Poissons (reprise).” Overall, the production’s ensemble contributed immensely and played a vital role in bringing the magic of this story to life!
Not only was the whole acting part of The Little Mermaid incredible, but the technical aspects of this show are not to be overlooked. More than thirty wigs were used in this production of The Little Mermaid, along with colorful makeup on each character. A costume choice that stood out was that all the sea creatures wore Healys to glide on stage and make it look like everyone was swimming. The lighting and special effects were dazzling as well. All of these contributed to the overall mood of this astonishing show.
Cedar Creek High School’s enchanting rendition of The Little Mermaid dazzled audiences and was indeed a spectacle that you couldn’t miss, and that is said with “Positoovity!”
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