By Tom Ganser
Need a break – already? – from the quick return of bone-chilling winter weather? The perfect solution is taking in a performance (or two) of the Whitewater High School Players production of “The Little Mermaid” at the WHS auditorium on Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 24.
Your time in a tropical blue lagoon with Ariel the mermaid and her colorful friends Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab will soon bring back your memories of perfect summer days in June and July.
Consider treating the youngins in your neighborhood to see this show.
Reserved seat tickets for the performance are $9 for adults and $5 for students, available one hour before the performance or by calling the WHS Box Office at 262-472-8178.
More than 60 cast, technical crew, and pit band members will take to the stage for this Disney classic based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories.
“The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story never out of date and will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”
The memorable cast includes Gio Anello, Gracia Boley, Henry Bresser, Keith Cameron, Jazmin Cederberg, Emma Clarksen, Olive Coburn, Sarah Felland, Sierra Gonzales, Jullian Harkness, Lauren Harkness, Maggie Jay, Josh Kirley, Ilana Lothes, Audrey Mayer, Sophie Mayer, Ben McCulloch, Stephanie Ordaz, Betzy Palomec, Chris Porcaro, Aldo Rodriguez, Lucas Scherer, Arianna Schroeder, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Madison Strickler, Evie Troxel, Anderson Waelchli, Carter Waelchli, Marco Wence, Ella Willman, and Matt Zingheim.
Putting their technical skills to the test are backstage crew members Payton Bunger, Emerson Dunham, Josie Hintz, Bailee Korf, Jordan Korf, Hailey Long, Abby Olson, Cole Schlicher, Lucy Troxel, Emma VanDaele, Sami VanDaele, and Emma Weigel.
Adding to the fun of a LIVE production are pit band musicians including Maddy Blain, Colin Chenoweth, Anne Coburn, Caroline Crowley, Colin Dugan, Liz Elliott, David Flemming, Zuri Goldsmith, Justin Kamp, Jimmy Karolek, Alex Martin, Jack Mayer, Sophie Mayer, Sophie Walton, and Caryl Whiteman.
Jim McCulloch directs this production, with musical direction by Liz Elliott, choreography by Lynn Lema, set design by Kat Dunham, sound design by Tony Hansen, and costume design by Karen McCulloch. Frankie Heurtz serves as conductor for the pit band.
Jim Shaw, Whitewater Unified School District Administrator, said, “Thanks to Whitewater High School’s staff and students for their wonderful production of ‘The Little Mermaid.’ The arts are a critical part of our students’ education. More than 80% of WHS students are engaged in the arts, music, athletics, or other extracurricular activities.”
“I am proud to be part of school district and community that values and encourages the arts and student engagement,” Shaw added. “Congratulations to students and staff for another great production.”
