Central Catholic Presents 96th Spring Musical, The Little Mermaid, on May 2-4 at Valentine Theatre
The Central Catholic High School music department announces its 96th consecutive spring musical production, The Little Mermaid. The show will take place May 2-4 at the Valentine Theatre. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at valentinetheatre.com/events.html. You may also call (419) 242-2787 or visit the box office at 410 Adams Street in downtown Toledo to purchase tickets.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. The musical is the story of a rebellious 16-year-old mermaid, Ariel, who is fascinated by life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs. When plans go awry, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.
The core production team for The Little Mermaid:
Director - Angela Mills, Central Catholic English teacher and Drama Club moderator
Vocal Director - Rebecca (Barrow) Buckman ’04
Choreographer - Nikki Toland ’08, CCHS algebra and dance teacher and dance coach
Pit Orchestra Director - CCHS band director Danielle Consolo
Costumer - Kathy Brassell ’76
Set Builder - Tye Turner, CCHS algebra and science teacher
Sophomore Reese Stricker plays the part of Ariel in the CCHS production. “Ariel is a 16-year-old mermaid with a BIG dream,” said Reese. “Ever since Ariel was a little girl, she has been full of determination - always finding a way to get what she wants the most. As Ariel grows older, she feels as though she doesn't belong ‘Under the Sea,’ and feels a strong calling to ‘The World Above.’ Ariel wants a refreshed new life and believes that living above the ocean's surface will fulfill those desires.”
Reese found her love for musicals and performing as a student at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns from grades 2 to 8. “I’ve always known that I wanted to carry on the family tradition of being in Glee Club, following in the footsteps of my dad, aunts, and uncles,” she explained. “I've always loved singing and performing, and I'm so glad that Central Catholic has a program that allows me to share those talents with others. The Glee Club has brought me to meet new people, including my best friend. I consider this group of people family, and that's what CCHS is all about.
“I wanted to be a part of this production to showcase the hard work that every single one of us has put into this musical, and to show others that they too can achieve anything they set their hearts and minds to. A musical doesn't come to life in one week, it takes so much time and intense amounts of practice, but in the end, it is always worth it. The feeling of accomplishment after you've finished a show is like no other.
“To me, this show is special because it is my very first musical at Central Catholic. I found a love for Ariel and The Little Mermaid at a very young age, and being able to actually put myself into the shoes of Ariel and live her life as I saw it on the big screen ultimately fulfills my childhood. I have become friends with so many new people this year because of the show, and I couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew.”
Senior Kaden Brown plays the role of Sebastian the crab in the musical. Sebastian is small in size, but large in character. He is a prestigious composer within King Triton's Kingdom, charismatic in concert, and ever anxious as he prepares for the next adventure, especially as he tries to keep Ariel out of harm's way.
“I've had friends in Glee Club that asked me to join, and I had been trying to be a part of it, but schedule conflicts hadn't allowed me to join in previous years,” Kaden said. “Glee Club has always looked so fun to me, and I knew I would regret it if I never joined. So, when a schedule conflict arose my senior year, I am glad to say I chose Glee Club. As for the musical, who doesn't love The Little Mermaid? I was so excited to do this musical, especially because of the cast we have. The Little Mermaid is a timeless classic as a movie and a musical, and I know it will be an amazing show. If you want to see a charming and ever-entertaining musical, please come see us at the Valentine Theatre in May!”
