By rdnewsNOW staff

Feb. 1-3

Lindsay Thurber presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

Jan 16, 2024 | 4:04 PM

Red Deer Public Schools — Theatre students at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School are ready to take audiences on an adventure ‘under the sea’ with their production of The Little Mermaid.

Shows run February 1-3 at The Memorial Centre in Red Deer.

In a bright, colourful, magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Audiences will be taken on her journey as she meets her prince charming, Eric.

“It’s been 10 years since we have done a Disney show. My goal is that when students come into the program they will have the opportunity to explore different styles, genres and time periods of musical theatre by the time they graduate,” said Tara Koett, Teacher at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, adding that there are about 35 students in the cast, plus pit band students and technical theatre students. “I wanted something that had an opportunity for a large ensemble and multiple roles for students. The design challenges of The Little Mermaid were daunting and exciting. The show is whimsical, bright and colourful. It gives our ensemble members so many fun opportunities.”

She added the show is for all ages, and encourages families to attend.

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“Live action Little Mermaid came out last year, so there is a fresh familiarity with the show. Some of us grew up with The Little Mermaid, so it’s nostalgic for us, and young people are experiencing it for the first time,” said Koett. “If people are familiar with the Disney movie, but not the Broadway Musical by Disney, I think they will be pleasantly surprised. All the old favourites and classics are there that you’ll have to bite your cheek to keep from singing. But there are also some beautiful new songs in the show.”

She added the production is also extremely relevant for students and their parents.

“For our students, Ariel is a teenager and she is struggling with how she should be and who she is inside. Eric is young and is struggling with the pressures of his father’s legacy,” said Koett. “For parents, King Triton has some beautiful character development and we see what it’s like to let go of his daughter and let her be true to herself. There is truly something for everyone, and I hope that people leave with big smiles on their faces.”

The cast has been hard at work since the fall preparing for the show.

“The cast is working very hard, and we have some really phenomenal kids in leadership positions that have taken on so much responsibility,” said Koett. “I can’t say enough about the positivity, the leadership, and the encouragement our returning students have created for our new recruits. It’s been lovely to see and exciting to watch.”

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite, by clicking here.

(Red Deer Public Schools media release)