By: Nestor Sow ’27
This year, the St. Paul’s theater department embraced the exciting challenge of bringing Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life. Featuring beloved songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea,” as well as the enchanting underwater setting, this production promises to be a visually stunning and entertaining experience—one that highlights the immense talent and dedication of the students involved.
Adapting a Favorite Story
Based on Disney’s iconic animated film and Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale, The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a curious mermaid longing to live on land. The themes of identity, dreams, and belonging resonate deeply, allowing cast and crew to infuse personal creativity into this beloved story.
Set and Stage Design
Transforming the high school stage into the underwater kingdom of Atlantica is no small feat. Hours of meticulous effort went into crafting elaborate sets and costumes designed to immerse the audience in Ariel’s world. Special lighting effects and innovative technology create the illusion of an underwater realm, demonstrating how theater blends art and tech to create magic.
Characters
The cast features standout performances by:
- Shannon Edwards (’25) as Ariel
- Conrad Pratt (’25) as Prince Eric
- Anousha Joseph (’25) as Ursula
- Josh Matthews (’25) as Sebastian
- Charlotte Carroll (’26) as Flounder
Even the ensemble, such as Collin Fitzell (’27), shines in their roles, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic production.
The cast has worked tirelessly to bring these beloved characters to life, balancing respect for the original with their own unique interpretations.
Conrad Pratt reflects on the challenges of performing:
“I learned that smiling is very difficult while on stage. I also hated that on student night the heater wouldn’t turn off!”
Collin Fitzell shares his favorite moment:
“My favorite was the chef mayhem.” On personal growth, he adds, “It was fun and inspiring, but sometimes it was hard and troubling because the other members wouldn’t cooperate.”
The Crew
Behind every successful production is a dedicated crew. From sound and lighting to stage management and costumes, the backstage team ensures every performance runs seamlessly. Their hard work often goes unseen but is vital to the show’s success.
Tripp, a crew member, says:
“I helped build the set and was on the run crew. Oh wait! I was also the stage left crew chief. To support the production, I had the flashlight.” Reflecting on his involvement, he adds, “My sister liked The Little Mermaid when she was a kid, so I did it.”
Theatre Connects
More than just a performance, The Little Mermaid represents the power of creativity and collaboration at St. Paul’s. From students to teachers to families, this production showcases how the arts bring the community together.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or experiencing The Little Mermaid for the first time, St. Paul’s staging of this timeless tale is sure to leave you in awe of the talent and hard work that make magic happen on stage.
Leave a Reply