By: Ava Abbate, Clearview Regional High School, Mullica Hill
PINE HILL — Whether you have fins, feet, or tentacles, you are sure to enjoy Overbrook High School’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” as it takes you on a trip “Under the Sea!”
The musical adaptation of the popular Disney movie, “The Little Mermaid,” debuted on Broadway in 2008. It received two nominations for Best Original Score and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. A thrilling story, packed with themes of self-discovery, teenage rebellion, and love triumphing over evil awaits those who watch as Ariel, the littlest mermaid, races to be with her true love before those opposed steal her victory from right under her feet. Well, fins.
Overbrook High School’s beautiful sets, creative lighting, and silent stage crew truly anchored their magical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The explosion of energy and comedic acting choices from the 29-person cast had the actors swimming in applause from an amused audience.
Sophia Burgos (Ariel) and Keith Hall (Prince Eric) both displayed prominent vocals that complimented each other well. Burgos used a soft tone that seemed to highlight her character’s timid excitement. Then in her song, “Beyond My Wildest Dreams,” Burgos demonstrated a powerful range and superb diction. Similarly, Hall demonstrated excellent vocal tension during his song, “Her Voice,” that enhanced his overall performance and creating a presence that him shone bright on stage.
There were many stand out performances, including Stevie McGarvey (Skuttle), whose comedic presence enthralled the audience. Whether it was during her tap number “Positoovity” or her delivery of lines, McGarvey remained consistent with her accent while also demonstrating spectacular comedic timing. Samantha Major (Ursula) commanded the stage during her performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. Her exaggerated facial expressions and clear, brilliant vocals demanded the attention of the audience from their first to final note. Jimmy Kosar (Chef Louis) provided the audience with a hilarious performance of “Les Poissons” that filled the theatre with laughter.
As the entire cast were fantastic in making this show magical and the added lighting effects brought the show to life. The precise spotlights and routine color changes conveyed a sense of livelihood and helped guide the audience’s eyes throughout large numbers such as “Under the Sea.” During scenes that took place in Ursula’s cave, the Bubble Beamers (Jayden Wilkerson, Jessica Moore, and Heaven Williams) used cascading light patterns that rotated against the set providing an eerie feel to the show.
Overbrook’s effective sets were constructed by the Reef Renderers (Period 6 Stagecraft). While the primary set resembles the top deck of a ship, a creative series of turnable and retractable set pieces were used to help transition from one setting to the next. A particularly eye catching set was Ariel’s grotto, a two part set piece that was fully decorated with an array of different objects. These transitions were made possible thanks to the swiftness of Sebastian’s Stage Squad (Aubree Megara, Caydence Penagos, Luke Boyd, Frank Conn, Joshua McAllister, Christopher Doane, and Armani Serrano) who, while dressed as sharks to blend in with the musical, were able to successfully switch between different settings efficiently.
Thank you Overbrook High School for letting everyone in the audience feel “Part of Your World” on your opening night!
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