The cast rehearsing "Kiss the Girl."

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ASC Middle School to Perform "Little Mermaid" May 5-7

May 1, 2016
By: Pati LaLonde

When Disney Theatrical released the rights to the musical production "Little Mermaid," in October Tom Cole, All Saints Middle School musical director, jumped at the chance to bring it to Bay City.

Twenty students from the middle school perform the full Broadway two-act version at 7 p.m. May 5-7 at the Cougar Gym Auditorium at Cass and Michigan. Tickets are $10 and available at the Sweet Boutique, 816 Washington Ave., at the school or at the door.

When Cole says he's doing the full blown theatrical version, he isn't kidding. "The set is multi-level," he said. "A traditional proscenium stage with an acting area on the floor with the audience on three sides, ala Stratford, Ontario."

Decklyn Leahy, who is playing Ariel, is excited about being front and center with the audience. "I think it's better to be closer to the audience," she said. "You get to see the emotions on their faces when you are playing in front of them."

This version also features a nine-piece orchestra under the direction of well-known pianist Kevin Cole. "The members come from all over the state," said Tom Cole. "Some have Broadway and university experience."

Based on the Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, the story centers around Ariel a 16-year-old mermaid, who falls in love with a human prince.

Making a deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days, things don't work out as planned, forcing Ariel's father, King Triton to make a sacrifice for his daughter. "It's a well-known story," said Decklyn. "It's Disney of course. Come and see it. It's a great performance with many great actors."