“The Little Mermaid” makes a big splash at LOLPS

Jen Meulenaar | May 06, 2010

Cast of Land O'Lakes prodution of  The Little Mermaid

"The Little Mermaid” made waves and a big splash last Wednesday evening as Land O’ Lakes Public School presented its annual spring musical.

Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, the classic enchanted the audience with the magical story of how a mermaid (portrayed with charm and wonder by Cassy Lowery) overcomes all obstacles and rises to the surface of the sea to marry her Prince Charming, (played with skill by Cody Matson).

Strong supporting actors who added a good measure of comic relief included Jessica Desroches as Clem-Clam, Claire Willis as Georgina, Krysti Squibb as Clara, and Bailey Paddick as Borgy. As for the evil side, the Sea Witch (Jen Wisteard) and her two pet sharks, (Ophelia and Mikaela Cooper), produced a suitable aura of fear and creepiness.

The musical lived up to its genre with nine solos, including a moving “Part of That World” by Emma Brash, and a hilarious “Les Poissons” by Jacob Brash. Cassidy Savic

wowed the audience with an upbeat version of “Kiss the girl”. Mrs. McCullough did a fine job as music mentor for the singers.

The choreography, by teacher Ms. Kim Fournier and student Sadie Clarke, added to the spirit and joy of the production. Sadie Clarke led the sailors in a lively jig for the sea shanty, “The Crab”. “Under the Sea” featured the entire cast in a rollicking tribute to the undersea world.

Kindergarten teacher Ms. Jen Meulenaar coordinated costumes and props, and kept the stage crew (headed by Michaela Van Ness and David Scott) hopping. Tristen and Chase Veley with Adam Power did a fine job with lights and sound. Jade Walker and Alexandra Gillingham, along with parent volunteers Renée Richard and Erin Cooper, went all out with make-up and hair styles.

With scenery flats by Mr. Hull’s Gr. 7/8 class, murals by Ms. Kirkby’s Gr. 3/4 and papier mâché fish by Mr. G.’s SK/1, “The Little Mermaid” was a truly collaborative effort. A special aspect to this collective spirit came when two former LOLPS drama students, Nicole Domen and Krista Nieckar, along with classmate Rebecca Combe, designed and helped make the seven spectacular mermaid costumes. A very special thanks to Mr. Geoffrey Murray and his “Anything Fabric Fashion program” at Sharbot Lake High School, and fabricator Cindi Scott, for making this teamwork happen.

Land O’ Lakes Public School would like to give special thanks to North Frontenac Little Theatre for the use of their lights and costumes, and Liz Steele-Drew and Sharbot Lake High School for their partnership.